Robleaze 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. Robleaze House provides accommodation with personal care for up to 10 people with a learning disability. At the time of our inspection eight people were living in the home, four of whom had lived there since the home opened 26 years ago.

At the last comprehensive inspection on 8 March 2017 the service was rated Requires Improvement. We found breaches in the regulations relating to staff recruitment, premises maintenance, quality assurance systems and notifications to CQC. Following this inspection, the provider sent us an action plan telling us how they would make the required improvements.

We carried out a focused inspection on 22 June 2017, in response to specific safeguarding concerns relating to the health, safety and welfare of a person who had lived in the home. The concerns were unsubstantiated. At that inspection, we checked people were safe living in the home, treated with dignity and respect and that staff understood their roles with regard to safeguarding people from avoidable harm and abuse. We had no concerns relating to those aspects of the service at that time.

We carried out a comprehensive inspection on 26 April 2018. At this inspection, we found improvements had been made and the legal requirements with regard to staff recruitment, quality assurance systems, notifications to CQC and shortfalls with premises maintenance identified at that time had been met.

The service has improved to Good.

The registered provider was the person registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. 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 encouraged and supported to lead active lifestyles in the home and in the community. People were encouraged to be independent in their daily living. This included involvement in menu planning, shopping and cooking meals, and participating in daily ‘household’ tasks and laundry.

Individual risk assessments and risk management plans were completed. Actions were taken to minimise risks of harm, whilst promoting people’s independence.

Medicines were safely managed. Records provided details of the medicines people were prescribed. The provider had systems in place to recognise and take actions when errors were identified.

Staff had received training and were aware of their responsibilities for safeguarding people from avoidable harm and abuse.

Sufficient numbers of staff were deployed at the time of our visit. Staff performance was monitored. Staff had the opportunity to provide feedback and attend staff meetings on a regular basis.

Improvements had been made and there was an on-going programme of maintenance and redecoration. Actions were needed to ensure the premises were safely maintained, specifically with regard to fire safety and legionella risk assessments and management plans. Following our visit, the registered person requested the fire services authority to visit, and a legionella risk assessment was completed.

People were provided with the support they needed with food and fluids. People’s dietary requirements and preferences were recorded and people were supported to make healthy food choices.

People’s legal rights were respected. People were supported to exercise control, consent to care and make decisions. The principles of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 had been followed. People were supported to express their opinions and views.

Staff were kind and caring. We found people were treated with dignity and respect and people’s privacy was maintained.

The service was well-led. Systems were in place for monitoring quality and saf

We carried out a focused unannounced inspection of Robleaze House on 22 June 2017. Prior to this inspection, we had received a safeguarding concern relating to the health, safety and welfare of a person that had lived at the care home. Additional agencies, including the local safeguarding authority and the police were also involved in responding to this information. At the time of writing this report, the investigations were on-going.

We undertook this focused inspection to ensure that people living in the home were safe. We checked that staff understood their roles with regard to safeguarding people from avoidable harm and abuse, and understood actions to take if they had concerns. We also checked that people were treated with dignity and respect.

This report only covers our findings in relation to these areas. You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘All reports’ link for Robleaze House on our website at www.cqc.org. The current overall rating for the home is ‘Requires Improvement.’ The registered provider sent us an action plan following our last comprehensive inspection undertaken in March 2017. They told us how they would address the breaches of regulations we had identified, and the timescales in which the required improvements would be made. The breaches of regulations at that time related to records, staff recruitment procedures, notifications and maintenance of the premises.

Robleaze House is registered to provide accommodation for up to 10 people with a learning disability. At the time of our visit, eight people were living in the home.

The registered provider was registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. 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.

Staff understood their roles and responsibilities with regard to safeguarding people from harm and abuse. Staff had received training and understood the actions they needed to take if they suspected people were being harmed or abused.

People were treated with dignity and respect. Staff promoted peoples’ independence and people were supported to make choices.

This inspection was carried out on 8 March 2017 and was unannounced. When Robleaze House was previously inspected in January 2016, we found the provider had failed to undertake robust recruitment procedures to fully ensure people were safe. It was also highlighted that some areas of the service required renovation and attention. In addition, the provider was unable to demonstrate a clear understanding of their responsibilities in regard to the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and the current status of a DoLS application made within the service. The provider had also failed to send a legal notification as required.

The provider wrote to us in February 2016 and told us how they intended to meet the recruitment regulation. During this inspection, we found that although some improvements had been made in relation to recruitment, further action was still required.

Robleaze House provides accommodation and personal care for up to 10 adults with a learning disability. At the time of our inspection there were nine people using the service who were aged between 40 and 75. Most of the people in the service had lived there for between 20 and 25 years since the service had first opened.

The provider had not ensured that recruitment procedures were robust. Despite improvements in procedures since our last inspection, we found a reference had not ensured the provider had ascertained relevant information before appointing a staff member. Areas of the service had been poorly maintained and required repairs. The current condition of the service could present a risk to people.

Appropriate records had not been maintained by staff for people in relation to their activities and meals. Records had not been made where required when an accident had occurred. This shows that current governance arrangements and systems were not robust in identifying these shortfalls. The provider had failed to send a serious injury notification and a notification to advise the Care Quality Commission that a person living at Robleaze House was being lawfully deprived of their liberty.

People at the service felt safe. Staff received safeguarding training and appropriate policies were in place to help keep people safe. There were sufficient staffing numbers on duty and we made observations that people could be well supported by staff. People’s assessed needs and risks were recorded. Where required, identified risks were highlighted to ensure staff were aware of concerns. People’s independence was promoted through positive risk management. People received their medicines as prescribed.

People received effective care from staff. The provider was aware of their responsibilities in regards to the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). DoLS is a framework to approve the deprivation of liberty for a person when they lack the capacity to consent to care or treatment or need protecting from harm. Staff were aware of how the Mental Capacity Act 2005 was relevant to their role and applied the guiding principles through choice and enablement.

There were systems that ensured staff received induction, supervision and appraisal to support them in their roles. People were supported to eat and drink sufficient amounts and were actively involved in the choosing and cooking of food. People had access to healthcare professionals and services when needed. The GP for the service spoke highly of the care provided.

People commented that staff were caring and we made observations of staff interactions with people to support this. Staff support to people was kind and caring and staff evidently knew people well. Staff were able to tell us about people’s individual current and historical healthcare concerns. People had individualised rooms and there was a positive social atmosphere in the service. People’s care records were personalised and showed information about people’s choices and preferences. People had an allocated keyworker and there were activities for people to b

We carried out this inspection on 19 January 2016 and this was an unannounced inspection. When Robleaze House was last inspected in September 2014 there were two breaches of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulation 2010 in relation to cleanliness and infection control and the safety and suitability of the premises. Following the inspection in September 2014, the provider wrote to us to say what they would do to meet the legal requirements. We followed up on these actions as part of this comprehensive inspection under our new methodology and found improvements had been made.

Robleaze House provides accommodation and personal care for up to 10 adults with a learning disability. At the time of our inspection there were 9 people using the service who were aged between 40 and 75. Most of the people in the service had lived there for between 20 and 25 years since the service had first opened.

The service had failed to complete safe recruitment procedures to fully ensure people were safe.

The provider had taken action in relation the cleanliness and safety of the premises. It was highlighted that some areas of the service required renovation and attention and the provider told us that certain areas of the service had been prioritised. A maintenance and refurbishment plan had been created.

The provider was unable to demonstrate a clear understanding of their responsibilities in regard to the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and the current status of DoLS applications being made within the service. DoLS is a framework to approve the deprivation of liberty for a person when they lack the mental capacity to consent to treatment or care and it is in their best interests to do so.

The provider had failed to send a legal notification to the Commission as required and quality assurance systems were not always completed timely.

Staff understood how to identify and report actual or suspected abuse. Staffing levels met people’s assessed needs and people received their medicines when they needed them. Risks to people were assessed and risk management guidance was produced where risk reduction measures were required.

People received effective care reviews of people’s health were completed. People had access to healthcare professionals when required. People were supported to eat and drink and were actively involved in purchasing and preparing their own meals.

Staff understood their obligations under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and had completed training. Where required, best interest decisions were held to discuss people’s health needs.

Staff received supervision and appraisal. The provider told us that all subsequent inductions undertaken by new staff would be aligned to the care certificate.

People felt the staff were caring and there were positive interactions observed during the inspection. Staff understood the people they cared for well, and demonstrated a good awareness of any additional health needs. People had privacy if they wanted it and this was respected by staff.

People said they could make choices about their daily lives and there were a variety of social and therapeutic activities people could partake in. People had the opportunity to comment on the service they received and care records were personalised. Care plan reviews were completed we saw examples of how the service had been responsive to people’s changing healthcare needs. The provider had a complaints procedure available.

Staff were positive about the provider and the staff team, and there were systems to communicate key messages to staff. The views of people, their relatives or representatives and staff were sought in an annual survey.

We found a breach of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

At the previous inspection of Robleaze house on the 8 May 2014, we had found the service had not been complying with the regulation in relation to infection control. We told the provider they must take action to ensure that improvements were made. This was a follow up inspection to see if the improvements had been made.

During this inspection we saw the provider had taken steps to address some of the concerns raised, but progress had been slow and not to the required standards. People were not being cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. We found the building continued to be in a poor state of repair and lacked robust maintenance plans.

People who use the service, staff and visitors were not protected against the risks of unsafe or unsuitable premises. The provider had not taken steps to provide care in an environment that is suitably designed and adequately maintained.

A senior member of staff showed us around the home and pointed out areas where work had begun in order to meet required standards. Although work had been started in several areas of concern, only one area had been completed. Therefore, not all the expected improvements had been made.

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary describes what we observed and records we looked at.

Is the service safe?

While we acknowledged the provider had begun to address the areas that required improvement, not all areas identified had been completed. We found evidence of poor practice procedures being carried out which meant standards of infection control were inadequate.

We found areas of the home required improvements to ensure people's safety and well-being. Therefore, we decided to include Outcome 10 Regulation 15 in this inspection. We have asked the provider to tell us what they are going to do to meet the regulations in relation to the safety and suitability of the premises.

Is the service effective?

We found suitable robust and effective maintenance plans were not in place. Due to the state of the building throughout, cleaning schedules may not be able to be effectively implemented. This meant people's safety and well-being was at risk.

We set out to answer our five questions during our inspection; Is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service well led?

At the time of our inspection there were nine people living in the home. We made observations of how staff interacted with people that used the service and examined the care documentation that was in place to support people. We spoke with five people living in the home and we spoke with four members of staff.

Below is a summary of what we found.

If you wish to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.

Is it safe?

Safeguarding procedures were in place and staff understood their role in safeguarding the people they supported. Staff received safeguarding training and knew who they needed to contact should they have any concerns around people’s welfare. People living in the home told us they felt safe living in the home and told us if they had any concerns they would tell the manager or their key worker. One person told us “yes it’s lovely I do feel safe all the day”. People who used the service were cared for by staff who knew how to protect them from the risk of abuse.

The home had policies and procedures in relation to the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (Dols). The provider confirmed no one currently living in the home was subject to such an application. However staff had been trained to understand when an application may be required. The provider told us staff meetings were used to remind staff of the process and scenario discussions were held. This meant that people will be safeguarded as required.

We saw that incidents/accidents were regularly audited by the provider. This reduces the risks to people and helps the service to continually improve people’s safety.

The service was safe, however not all areas of the home were clean and hygienic. Robust infection control guidelines had not been followed as the maintenance and cleaning schedules were not effective. This could put people at risk of harm of cross infection.

Is it caring?

People were supported by sensitive and attentive staff. We saw that care staff showed patience and gave encouragement when supporting people. We spent time in the communal area observing interactions between staff and people that used the service. The observations we made demonstrated staff supported people in a calm unhurried manner, using communication methods conducive with their individual assessed needs. Staff sat with people to have lunch which was a relaxed and communicative dining experience. People told us they were consulted before staff undertook their care routines.

People’s preferences, interests, likes and dislikes had been recorded and in a format that supported their individual needs.

Is it effective?

We found people’s health and care needs were assessed with them and reviewed regularly. Care plans provided guidance for staff to follow to ensure people’s individual specific needs were met. Care plans were reflective of people’s current level of need. Pictorial documentation was used that ensure people could participate fully.

People’s health and care needs were assessed with them, and they were involved in writing their plans of care. People had signed their documentation and demonstrated their involvement. People told us their keyworker met with them on a monthly basis.

It was clear from our observations and from speaking with staff that they had a good understanding of people's care and support needs and that they knew them well.

Is it responsive?

People's needs had been assessed before they moved into the service. Multidisciplinary assessments were undertaken that involved the social work teams. The registered manager told us people met with their key workers monthly to discuss their care plans and relatives were involved as people required and agreed by the person.

People received co-ordinated care. We saw evidence in people's care plans that demonstrated people had been visited by their GP and other health care professionals. For example people's files held information and advice sought from the community learning disability team (CLDT) that supported people's changing needs.

Is it well-led?

People that used the service, their relatives and external professionals completed a satisfaction survey once a year. The provider told us if any concerns were raised these would be addressed promptly. People were asked what they liked about Robleaze House. Comments included: “Staff, food and day care”. “It’s very nice”. “I like listening to music, I like most of the other people and I like my room, it’s nice” , “Watching T.V, the food” , “Going trampoline and gateway club “. “The staff".

People we spoke with were able to tell us their experience. They confirmed they felt listened to by staff and knew how to raise a complaint if they needed to.

The owner provider was also the day to day manager. A stable staff team was in place that provided a consistent level of care to all people living in the home. We have asked the provider to tell us what they are going to do to meet the requirements of the law in relation to Infection Control. We are awaiting further clarity on this.

At the time of our inspection there were 10 people living in Robleaze house. During our inspection we spoke with people living in the home and the staff. We examined the care records for people living in the home.

People we spoke with were able to verbally tell us about the care they received and if they were happy. People appeared happy and relaxed in the company of the staff and were seen to be engaged in discussions about the day’s activities ahead. Staff were observed supporting people in a sensitive and inclusive manner.

We looked at people’s personal care files to see if their care assessment documentation met their needs. We spoke with eight people who used the service and three members of staff during our inspection.

We received positive comments from people living in the home. People told us how staff supported them to be as independent as possible. People’s comments included; “I like it here people are nice I go on holiday”. “I work in a charity shop. It’s nice and quiet here”. “I’m happy here my brother comes to visit”.

Staff we spoke with told us “we get people involved in their lives. They make the choices and we support them”. Another member of staff told us “it doesn’t really feel like work, it’s not rigid we can be creative”.

On the day of our inspection there were nine people living in the home. During our inspection we looked at the care records of people who use the service, and spoke with people living in the home to gain their views and feelings about the service. We also spoke with staff who were on duty that day.

People we spoke with were happy with the service at Robleaze house. Comments included; "I like the staff, I feel great, I'm settled here", " we have lots to do, I go to trampolining with X". Another person told us how they regularly spend time with their key worker, to discuss what they may like to do, and told us “I like my key worker ".

We spoke with seven people living in the home. People we spoke with were able to discuss their life at the home, and what they enjoyed about living there. People said that they appreciated having their own space, and being able to choose what they wanted to do, one person told us "I really like going out and I do my own washing".

Two people who use the service told us that they were included in decisions about their care. For example, one person told us"I can choose what activities I like to do, and staff help me cook, I'm good at cooking!" Another person told us that they helped to make cakes for people.

All the people we spoke with told us they felt safe living in the home and would tell a member of staff if at any time if they didn't. People also told us, the food was "good".

We met the nine people who lived at Robleaze care home when we carried out our inspection of the service. We saw that people were well supported by the staff to influence how the service was run.

We saw that people were encouraged and supported to live a meaningful and fulfilling life in the home and in the community. People were actively encouraged and supported to develop independence in their lives.

People told us about their life at Robleaze as well as what they liked to do in the community. People told us they went to trampoline classes. Another person we met showed us the bird table they were making in woodwork sessions. On the day of our inspection, people were getting ready to go out to the local bowling alley for the morning.

People were treated with respect and kindness by the staff. People were effectively supported with their range of complex needs. People were being supported to maintain their health, safety and wellbeing.

We saw up to date and helpful care plans and risk assessments records about how to protect people’s safety and wellbeing in Robleaze as well as in the community.

We saw that care plans and risk assessments were reviewed often. They were updated when required to reflect any changes in people’s needs.

People were helped to stay safe at Robleaze and were protected from abuse. The staff who looked after people at the home had attended regular training courses to help them to understand how to safeguard them from abuse. Staff were clear about who to report an allegation of abuse to. They also understood the role of the local authority in the safeguarding processes that would be followed in the event of an allegation of abuse.

The staff showed an understanding and awareness of the complex needs of people living at Robleaze. People were supported by staff who were being effectively supervised and monitored in their work at Robleaze.

We saw effective methods were in use to check monitor and improve even further the quality of the service people received. We saw there were systems to review and learn from all critical incidents and occurrences that may have impacted on people's health and wellbeing.