Nuthall care home is good in all areas after Care Quality Commission inspection

Little Acres, on Spencer Drive, is a residential home run by Prime Life Limited, providing support to a maximum of 25 adults of all ages living with a learning disability and autistic people.

At the time of the assessment there were 24 people living at Little Acres with 22 people receiving the regulated activity of personal care.

The home was inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which rated it ‘good’ in the categories of safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led, leading to an overall ‘good’ rating.

Emma Dobbie, home manager, said: “We’re very pleased, it’s all down to a good team effort and we’re delighted with the outcome.”

In their report, CQC inspectors said: “We assessed the service against ‘right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence, and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.

“People were encouraged to lead their lives in their chosen way and supported to access meaningful activities in the home and local community and develop their skills.

"Staff involved people in decisions and planning any changes to their care.

Independence was encouraged and supported, people were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests.

“Staff had completed the providers mandatory training but not all staff had completed the service specific training required to safely meet people's care needs, which the registered manager confirmed they were aware of.

"Medicines were not consistently managed safely potentially placing people at risk but the provider responded promptly to correct these issues and measures now in place have also been confirmed by an external stakeholder working with the service.

"People had regular health checks and medication reviews.

"The registered manager ensured staff received regular supervision to maintain good quality care and assured us the gaps in staff training were being addressed.

“Staff understood and managed risk while supporting people to take part in activities in their local community, maintain relationships, and try new things.

"There were enough staff to provide the right level of care and support for people.

“People were treated with kindness and compassion and received dignified care that respected their privacy and human rights.

"Care and support was person-centred, individualised care and support plans were in place and people’s preferred communication styles were known and respected.

“The practice, values and attitude of leaders and care staff ensured people, supported by the Little Acres team, led confident and inclusive lives.

"Staff and managers had shared values which were based on supporting people to live an ordinary life as any other citizen with the same rights and opportunities.

“People and relatives were positive about the quality of their care.

"We observed positive, warm and compassionate engagement between staff and people living at Little Acres.

"Feedback from relatives supported our observations stating they would recommend the service.”