Seahaven

Seahaven is a residential care home for up to 19 individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism. This report summarises findings from a recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection that assessed how safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led the service is. The inspection aimed to ensure the service meets high standards of care and support for its residents, focusing on their rights, dignity, and independence.

In terms of safety, while staff recruitment and daily staffing levels appear adequate, there were instances where risks were identified but not consistently reported or acted upon by management, potentially putting residents at risk. The management of certain medications, particularly 'as and when' prescriptions, lacked clear guidance, and there were occasional staffing gaps in medication administration at night.

Regarding effectiveness, staff demonstrate a strong understanding of individual needs and support residents to achieve their goals and maintain independence, fostering positive life choices. They are skilled in working with a range of abilities and sensitivities.

The care provided is characterised by kindness and genuine affection, with staff knowing residents well and respecting their privacy and dignity. Residents feel safe and are treated with respect for their individual needs and cultural backgrounds.

In terms of responsiveness, residents and their families are involved in care planning, and communication with relatives is generally good, keeping them informed of wellbeing. The service adapts its support to meet individual communication needs effectively.

However, the service's leadership requires improvement. While systems are in place to monitor quality, they had not always identified the specific shortfalls found in risk management and medication handling during this inspection. Although improvements have been made in notifying the CQC of incidents, inconsistent leadership oversight has been noted.