Inspection on 06/10/06 for Autism Initiatives - Lilford Court

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What the care home does well

Lilford Court is well managed and run in the best interests of residents. It provides personal care and support for a maximum of eight younger adults living in two semidetached houses next door to one another. Each house is spacious, bright, cheerful, airy and clean throughout. The design and layout of each house is in keeping with the local community. Each of the two houses reflects the personalities needs and preferences of the respective groups of people who live in them. The gardens are well maintained and are put to good use. Residents and visiting relatives speak highly of the home and facilities and services provided by Autism Initiatives. One of the stated "their relative is treated with utmost care and everything they need is discussed with us with their best interest uppermost". The home`s assessment and care planning processes involve residents` representatives including family members and health and social care professionals. Care and support planning processes focus on the diverse needs of each individual, putting them first and make sure their needs are met. The service has a strong commitment helping residents to develop their skills, including social, emotional, communication, and independent living skills. Residents are supported to identify their goals, and work to achieve them. Residents are helped to explore and take advantage of new opportunities for activities and social interaction in the local and wider community. Residents take part in a range of chosen activities including visits to the local community and the Autism Initiatives Day Centre. Visitors are made welcome at all reasonable times, and support staff help the residents to keep family links and personal relationships whenever possible. Staff encourage residents to join in domestic routines and healthy eating is promoted by offering choice. The home ensures through training and supervision that staff fully comply with the policies and procedures to ensure the well being of residents and protect and safeguard them from harm. The home`s complaints procedures provide appropriate guidance and information as to how to make a complaint and include an illustrated version to assist residents and help them to understand. There is a dedicated and well-managed team of staff who conduct their work with care, good humour and respect for the residents. Staff are committed to the promotion of each individual`s rights to live an ordinary and meaningful life and to enjoy all the rights and responsibilities of a younger adult living in the community. Staff understand the importance of enabling residents to achieve their goals, follow their interests and be integrated into community life. They can demonstrate how they meet each individual`s needs and have clear strategies to help residents explore and take advantage of life`s opportunities. Visiting health care professionals speak highly of the staff team. Staff are said to work in partnership, demonstrate a clear understanding of the care needs of each resident and communicate effectively.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Care and support plans have been reviewed and updated to ensure they are relevant and effective in meeting residents needs. The area manager carries out regular visits to the home to make an assessment of the quality of care and support provided and provides a report of her findings open to the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Staff have received training in a number of areas including First Aid; Adult Protection; Infection Control and health and safety and a further three have completed their work for NVQ level 2 and are awaiting final assessment and certification.

What the care home could do better:

The homes assessments and care planning systems are comprehensive and effective but are hampered by the shear number of documents. Staff find these difficult to organise in a way that makes the information available. However. senior management, the manager and staff are aware of these problems and are working toward a better organised and more accessible care planning and support system. There is duplication in the care planning system and some care plans and risk assessments need reviewing to make sure they are up to date and confirm all needs presented by the respective resident. This will make sure that staff and residents have up to date and accurate information that confirms how the residents` needs are to be met. It is important that changes to arrangements for care and support of residents are agreed with the resident and their representatives including health and social care professionals. This will make sure that residents and their representatives are consulted and involved in all decision that effect their life in the home. Staff have a good understanding of the importance of equality and diversity issues. However there is no indication that these issues are raised and discussed at staff meetings or in staff supervision. The registered persons should seek to promote equality and diversity to ensure that staff are aware of new legislation, guidance and best practice. This will help to make sure that staff understand and appreciate the diverse needs of all people and ensure equality in provision of service.