The Mowhay provides care and accommodation for up to five people who have autistic spectrum disorders. At the time of the inspection four people were living at the service. Two people had their own self-contained accommodation, one in a separate annexe and one in a basement flat. The other two people shared a kitchen and lounge in the main house. The service is part of the Spectrum group who run several similar services throughout Cornwall, for people living on the autistic spectrum. Three of the people living at The Mowhay had moved into the service from another Spectrum location which is now closed.

This announced comprehensive inspection took place on 9 May 2018. This was the first time the service had been inspected since it registered in April 2017.

People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

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.

The service requires a registered manager and there was one in post. 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 received care which was responsive to their individual needs. Staff were highly motivated to ensure people led full and meaningful lives doing things which interested them. People, relatives and staff all told us people’s quality of life had improved since moving to the service. People had access to a range of activities on a day to day basis both in and outside of the service. This meant they were protected from the risk of social isolation because of their continuous positive contact with the local community.

Activities were varied and met people’s individual preferences and interests. People were supported to try new pastimes as well as develop their established interests. For example, two people had signed up to take part in a local Race for Life event the weekend following the inspection. They were clearly looking forward to this and were planning their fancy dress outfits.

People were comfortable and at ease in their environment. All were happy to show us around and demonstrated a sense of ownership and belonging within their surroundings. The premises provided people with opportunities to have privacy and time on their own as well as with each other or staff as they chose. The building was well maintained and there were photographs and personal possessions on display throughout. This created a feeling of homeliness and there was a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. During the day we spent time in the office and people popped in from time to time to offer us drinks and ask if we wanted to speak with them or look round the garden. They were obviously used to entering the office and were comfortable and confident approaching us.

Staff were considerate and respectful when speaking with people. They allowed people to lead the conversation and make choices about where and how they spent their time. Relatives told us they were confident their family members were safe and well supported by staff who knew them well and understood their needs.

People were supported to have their medicines as prescribed. Systems for recording when people had received their medicine were robust. The organisation was committed to the principles of STOMP which advocates for stopping the over medication of people with a learning disabili