Next Steps

This report details the findings of a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection conducted on 17 January 2018 at Next Steps, a care home registered to provide accommodation and personal or nursing care. The inspection assessed the service against five key questions: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-led. The service provides care for up to four individuals, and on the day of the inspection, three residents were living there, with a fourth person trialling the service. The inspection aimed to ensure legal requirements were met and to evaluate the overall quality of care provided.

On safety, the service demonstrated robust risk assessment processes, ensuring people were supported safely and medication was managed correctly. Staff were well-trained in safeguarding and understood how to protect residents from abuse, with clear procedures in place for reporting concerns. The environment was found to be clean, well-maintained, and suitable for residents, with effective infection control measures and safety checks in place.

In terms of how effective the care is, Next Steps provides thorough pre-assessments, ensuring resident needs are fully understood before admission. Mental capacity is consistently assessed, and appropriate safeguards are in place for those who lack capacity. Staff receive regular and relevant training, and the service actively involves external professionals in assessments to ensure comprehensive care planning.

The service is caring, with staff demonstrating kindness and a person-centred approach to interactions. Residents reported feeling well-supported, particularly during anxious times, and their personal information was handled with care. Staff knew the residents well, fostering an environment where people felt at ease and were encouraged to make choices about their daily lives, such as attending social activities or visiting family.

Regarding responsiveness, care plans are holistic and developed collaboratively with residents, reflecting their individual needs and aspirations. Residents are actively involved in their care planning and are encouraged to express their goals. Information provided to residents is accessible and in formats they can understand, ensuring they are informed and empowered in their care journey.

The service is well-led, with the registered manager and provider demonstrating full oversight and active involvement in all aspects of the service's operation. There are clear systems for monitoring performance and addressing feedback, including complaints. A culture of open communication and continuous improvement is promoted, with staff feeling supported in their roles. Audits are regularly conducted to ensure service quality and identify areas for enhancement.