Dana House is care home that provides accommodation and personal care for 4 people who have learning disabilities some of whom have mental health conditions. There were four people using the service at the time of the inspection. Public transport facilities and local shops are located close to the home.

At the last inspection, the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

People told us that they were happy living in the home and felt safe. Staff knew how to raise any concerns about people's safety so people were protected.

Staff were respectful and kind to people and demonstrated an understanding of each person’s needs and abilities. People’s choices were respected. They were involved in planning and reviewing their care, which was responsive and personalised.

Arrangements were in place to make sure people received the service they required from sufficient numbers of appropriately recruited and suitably trained staff.

People's medicines were managed safely. People's dietary needs and preferences were supported, and they chose what they wanted to eat and drink. Healthy eating was promoted.

Staff understood their responsibilities in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 [MCA]. 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.

Checks were carried out to monitor and improve the quality and safety of the service and improvements were made when needed.

Further information is in the detailed findings below

This unannounced inspection of Dana House took place on the 22 December 2015.

At our last inspection of this service on 18 November 2013 a breach of legal requirements was found. This related to the management of medicines. During this inspection we found the provider had followed their action plan, and now met legal requirements by ensuring that medicines were stored safely.

Dana House is registered to provide accommodation and personal care for 4 adults. The home supports people with learning disabilities who may have additional mental health needs. The service is operated by Care Worldwide (London) Limited. On the day of our visit there were 4 people living in the home. Public transport and a range of shops are located within walking distance of the service.

There was a registered manager in place. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission [CQC] 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.

The atmosphere of the home was relaxed and welcoming. People were treated with respect. Staff engaged with people in a friendly and courteous manner. Throughout our visit we observed caring and supportive relationships between staff and people using the service.

People were encouraged and supported to make decisions for themselves whenever possible to maintain and develop their independence. People participated in a range of activities of their choice, and were supported to maintain and develop a range of skills. People were provided with the support they needed to take part in and develop social interests, and maintain links with their family and friends.

Arrangements were in place to keep people safe. Staff understood how to safeguard the people they supported. People’s individual needs and risks were identified and managed as part of their plan of care and support. Care plans were personalised and reflected people’s current needs. They included the information staff needed to provide people with the specific and individual care and support they wanted and required.

People were supported to maintain good health and their well-being was promoted. People had good access to healthcare services they needed. Their health was monitored closely and they were provided with the treatment they needed. People had a choice of food and drink which met their preferences and dietary needs.

Staff were appropriately recruited, trained and supported to provide people with individualised care and support. Staff told us they enjoyed working in the home and received the support and training they needed to carry out their roles and responsibilities in providing people with the service they needed and wanted.

Staff understood the legal requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). They knew that when people did not have the capacity to make a decision in their best interests and safety, DoLS would need to be in place when it was necessary to restrict people’s freedom in some way.

There was an open and inclusive culture within the home. People using the service and staff told us they felt able to communicate their views about the service and were confident that they would be listened to, and any concerns would be addressed by staff including the registered manager.

There were systems in place to regularly assess, monitor and improve the quality of the services provided for people.