Eastrop House and Lodge

Eastrop House provides residential care and support for up to eight individuals with learning disabilities, autism, and associated health needs, including those who may exhibit challenging behaviours. This report details findings from an unannounced inspection conducted in October 2017, covering key areas of the service’s operation. The home is managed by a registered manager who was on leave but assisted with the inspection, with the deputy manager providing cover. The overall assessment found the service to be well-run and effective in meeting the needs of its residents.

Regarding safety, residents were protected from harm, with staff trained to identify and respond to safeguarding concerns. Individual risk assessments were in place and acted upon to minimise potential dangers, and medicines were managed and administered securely and according to prescriptions. Recruitment procedures were thorough, ensuring staff were suitable for their roles.

The effectiveness of care at Eastrop House was evident in the skills and training of its staff, who understood their responsibilities under mental capacity legislation and supported residents in making daily decisions in the least restrictive way. Residents had access to a healthy diet and personalised environments, with staff promoting independence and respecting individual choices.

The caring nature of the service was highlighted by the kindness and positive relationships staff developed with residents, fostering a warm atmosphere where individuals felt comfortable and reassured. Staff treated residents with dignity and respect, promoting their independence and valuing their equality, diversity, and human rights.

In terms of responsiveness, residents were encouraged to participate in decisions about their support, and their preferences were documented in personalised support plans. Visitors were welcomed, and residents were supported to maintain contact with their families. Feedback mechanisms were in place, including a complaints procedure, and the service actively used feedback to improve.

Finally, the service was well-led, with a clear management structure and staff understanding their roles. The management fostered an inclusive culture, encouraging active involvement from residents and staff in service development. The registered manager provided strong leadership and implemented robust quality assurance systems to drive continuous improvement. However, a specific area for improvement noted was that the provider had not always completed effective transition planning when accommodating individuals in crisis situations, leading to one inappropriate placement. New processes have since been implemented to prevent recurrence.