This announced comprehensive inspection was carried out between 23 and 27 November 2018. This is the first inspection since the service was registered with the Care Quality Commission in September 2017.

Florence House is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. The care home accommodates up to four people with learning disabilities or autistic spectrum conditions. The service was providing short-term respite care to three people at the time of our visit.

The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

There was a registered manager in post, who is also registered as the nominated individual. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People were safe because there were effective risk assessments in place, and systems to keep them safe from abuse or harm. There were sufficient numbers of skilled staff to support people safely. Staff took appropriate precautions to ensure people were protected from the risk of acquired infections. People’s medicines were managed safely. Accidents and incidents were reviewed to prevent the risk of recurrence.

People had care plans that took account of their individual needs, preferences, and choices. Staff had been trained to meet people’s individual needs effectively. The requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 were being met, and staff understood their roles and responsibilities to seek people’s consent prior to care and support being provided. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives, and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice. People had been supported to have enough to eat and drink to maintain their health and wellbeing. Where required, they were also supported to access healthcare services.

People were supported by caring, friendly and respectful staff.

People’s individual needs were met in a person-centred way. The provider had an effective system to handle complaints and concerns. People were supported to pursue their hobbies and interests.

The provider’s quality monitoring processes had been used effectively to ensure they provided safe, effective and good quality care. People, relatives, staff and external professionals were happy with the quality of the service.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.