Dimensions 87 Hazel Avenue

This report details an inspection of Dimensions 87 Hazel Avenue, a care home supporting five individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism. The inspection assessed the service across five key areas: safety, effectiveness, caring, responsiveness, and leadership. The aim was to evaluate how well the home supports residents to live fulfilling lives, promoting choice, control, and independence. The findings indicate that the home consistently upholds these principles, ensuring residents receive well-rounded and personalised care.

On safety, systems are in place to protect residents from harm, with staff well-trained in safeguarding and confident in reporting concerns. Comprehensive risk assessments are conducted for both the environment and individual needs, and staffing levels are sufficient with a robust recruitment process. Medication is managed safely, and infection control measures are in place and followed by staff. Learning from incidents leads to improved care practices.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents receive personalised, person-centred support that meets their needs. Staff are well-trained and supported, with regular reviews involving families. The home works collaboratively with health professionals to ensure comprehensive care, and the environment is adapted to promote independence. Residents' capacity to consent to care is respected, and where necessary, procedures for the Mental Capacity Act are followed.

Regarding how caring the service is, staff are described as kind and compassionate, building caring relationships with residents. Residents' privacy, dignity, and independence are actively promoted, and their individual preferences, beliefs, and communication methods are respected. Feedback mechanisms are in place to gather views from residents and their families, ensuring their voices are heard.

On responsiveness, care is planned collaboratively to meet individual needs and preferences, ensuring residents receive support that respects their diverse characteristics. The home adheres to the Accessible Information Standard, providing information in understandable formats. Residents are supported to engage in meaningful activities within and outside the home, promoting social inclusion and a fuller life. The service has processes for managing complaints, although none have been raised since the last inspection.

Finally, on how well-led the service is, there is a positive, person-centred culture with a commitment to high-quality care. The registered manager has a good overview of the service, with effective systems for monitoring quality and safety. The manager is open and honest in their approach, ensuring only people whose needs they can meet are supported. Regular quality checks are performed, and staff are involved in service improvement through meetings and an open-door policy, fostering continuous learning and development.