Highbury Court Flats

This report from the Care Quality Commission provides an overview of Highbury Court Flats, a residential care home supporting adults with mental health issues and/or learning disabilities. The inspection assessed the service against five key areas: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-led. Overall, the inspection found that residents are supported to live fulfilling and independent lives, with staff demonstrating a strong understanding of individual needs and preferences. The service actively promotes residents' independence and access to the community, while ensuring their safety and well-being are paramount.

Regarding safety, residents are protected from harm, with staff well-trained to recognise and respond to potential abuse. Risk assessments are personalised and thorough, covering all aspects of care, and medicines are managed safely. While infection control measures are robust, there were some areas noted for improvement in the detail of 'when required' medicine protocols and the introduction of observational competency checks for staff administering medicines.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents' needs are assessed and met with a focus on promoting independence and individual aspirations. Staff receive appropriate training and support, although the autism and learning disability training is being updated to fully align with recent legislative changes. The service works collaboratively with healthcare professionals to ensure residents lead healthier lives, and residents' own flats are well-maintained and personalised. It was noted that the service model more closely resembles supported living, and this has been highlighted for review.

The inspection found the service to be caring, with staff treating residents with kindness, compassion, dignity, and respect. Staff interactions are patient and attentive to residents' emotional and sensory needs, and residents feel well-supported and happy with the care they receive. Equality, diversity, and inclusion are promoted, and residents are actively involved in making decisions about their care, with their choices and preferences consistently respected.

On the responsive front, care plans are personalised and person-centred, with a recent move to an electronic system enhancing this further. Residents are encouraged and supported to maintain strong family and community links, and they have control over their daily lives. Communication needs are assessed, and while no specific adaptations were immediately required, the service is prepared to provide information in various formats if needed.

Finally, the service is well-led, with staff feeling respected and valued by management. They have a deep understanding of residents' needs and aspirations, contributing to a positive quality of life. While the service has robust systems for quality assurance, some internal audits require enhancement to further strengthen governance. The provider is committed to continuous improvement and resident well-being.