Oakside

Oakside offers residential care for up to five individuals with learning disabilities and autistic people. This report details the findings from a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The inspection assessed the service across five key areas: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-led, aiming to ensure that residents receive the highest standard of support. The overall findings paint a positive picture of a home that prioritises the well-being and independence of its residents.

On safety, Oakside ensures residents feel secure and protected from harm. Robust systems are in place for safeguarding, and staff are well-trained to identify and report concerns. Risk assessments are person-centred, promoting positive risk-taking, and fire safety systems are regularly checked. Recruitment processes are thorough, ensuring suitably qualified staff are employed, and medicines are managed safely and competently. Infection control measures are effective, maintaining a clean environment and minimising the spread of infections.

In terms of how effective the care is, Oakside develops highly personalised care plans that truly reflect each individual's preferences and needs, involving residents and their loved ones in their creation. Staff receive excellent training and ongoing support, ensuring they are skilled and confident in meeting complex needs. Residents have consistent input into their meals and access to food and drink at any time, with staff demonstrating a good understanding of dietary requirements. The home also works effectively with healthcare professionals to ensure timely and appropriate support for residents' health needs.

Regarding how caring the service is, residents are treated with immense kindness and respect, fostering an environment where they feel empowered and valued. Staff possess excellent knowledge of each resident, allowing them to provide highly individualised and compassionate care that enhances their quality of life. The service actively promotes equality and ensures that residents are supported to overcome barriers in accessing meaningful activities.

The service demonstrates exceptional responsiveness to residents' needs and choices. Care plans are consistently updated and holistic, supporting people to have maximum choice and control over their lives in the least restrictive way possible. Residents are empowered to make real choices about their daily routines and activities, and their dignity is consistently upheld. Staff are commended for their passion and innovative approaches to enriching residents' lives and ensuring they participate in activities that are relevant and meaningful to them.

Finally, on how well-led the service is, there is a clear leadership vision focused on residents' well-being. The registered managers lead by example, fostering a positive culture where staff feel valued and supported. Residents, their families, and staff are overwhelmingly positive about the quality of care and the supportive environment created at Oakside. The service has robust systems for monitoring quality and ensures continuous improvement.