Little Orchard

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an independent assessment of Little Orchard care home. It covers various aspects of the service, including safety, effectiveness of care, staff caring approach, responsiveness to resident needs, and overall management leadership. The inspection aimed to evaluate how well the home supports individuals with learning disabilities and autistic people, focusing on promoting respect, dignity, choice, and independence, aligning with the CQC's "Right support, right care, right culture" principles.

Regarding safety, while environmental risks were well managed and appropriate assessments were in place, there were instances where care plans were not consistently followed, particularly concerning epilepsy medication and the settings for specialist equipment. Improvements are needed in medication management, specifically ensuring guidance aligns with individual needs and in the correct use of personal protective equipment for infection control, with retraining recommended for staff.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents' needs were well assessed and documented in detailed care plans. Staff received thorough induction and supervision, exceeding the provider's policy in frequency, and had access to a range of training opportunities, including funded diploma qualifications. However, a concern was raised about some staff members' English fluency, which is the primary language for residents, and recommendations were made for improved communication support.

The home was found to be caring, with staff demonstrating clear fondness for residents and engaging in kind and respectful interactions. Residents' privacy was maintained, and their wishes were considered in daily life. Communication plans were in place, and efforts were being made to enhance how residents can share updates with their families, such as through a new photo-based newsletter.

Looking at responsiveness, residents were supported in making choices and participating in activities that aligned with their interests, such as community outings and swimming. Relatives were actively involved in care planning, and efforts to improve relationships with families had been successful, with no recent complaints. End-of-life care plans were noted as being detailed and person-centred.

Concerning leadership, while the registered manager had made significant improvements in their eight-month tenure, there were issues identified with the oversight of records and the effectiveness of audits. Areas requiring improvement were noted in the management of equipment settings and record-keeping. The service demonstrated its commitment to the "Right support, right care, right culture" principles.