Mill Green

This report details the findings of an inspection at Mill Green, a service providing accommodation and support for younger adults with learning disabilities, autism, and sometimes physical disabilities. The inspection focused on assessing the quality and safety of care provided. The service aims to enable residents to live fulfilling lives with control, choice, and independence. Overall, the inspection found very positive outcomes for the individuals using the service, highlighting the dedication of the staff and management.

On safety, the home effectively protects residents from avoidable harm, with robust systems for safeguarding and managing risks. Staff receive regular training and are confident in reporting concerns, while recruitment processes are thorough. Medicines are administered safely by trained staff, with clear protocols and regular audits to prevent errors. The premises are kept clean and tidy, and staff are well-trained in infection control. Lessons are learned when things go wrong, with incidents investigated and learning shared to prevent reoccurrences.

In terms of how effective the care is, the service consistently achieves better-than-expected outcomes for residents. Staff are skilled at identifying health needs, even with non-verbal cues, and proactively work with health professionals to ensure people receive necessary treatment. The home fosters close collaboration with external agencies, ensuring seamless and timely care, with detailed hospital passports and staff support during hospital admissions. Their approach promotes independence and supports residents in developing new skills and engaging in community activities.

The care provided is exceptionally caring, with staff demonstrating deep understanding and compassion for each individual's needs. They utilise diverse communication methods, ensuring everyone is understood and supported, with highly individualised plans. Families consistently speak highly of the care, noting how their relatives' physical, mental, and social needs are met, and how their independence and autonomy are promoted.

In terms of how responsive the service is, residents and their families are actively involved in care planning, ensuring choice and control over their lives. The home encourages participation in community activities, adapting to individual preferences. They effectively advocate for residents, using evidence to support proposals and achieve positive outcomes. New ideas for activities are explored to keep residents engaged and enjoying their lives.

Regarding leadership, the service is exceptionally well-led by a dedicated registered manager committed to resident wellbeing. A culture of openness and professional challenge is fostered, motivating staff to meet high standards. The team has received recognition for their exceptional care. Quality assurance measures are robust, with regular reviews of care quality and safety, and staff performance is monitored supportively with ongoing training.