Specialist learning disability service rated ‘Good’ by CQC
One of Richardson Care’s specialist services for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs has been rated ‘Good’ in a recent inspection by the CQC (Care Quality Commission).
The independent regulator found the service to be ‘good’ in all areas: safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led, providing “exceptionally-tailored care, support and treatment.”
The home at 23 Duston Road, Northampton, provides transitional and long-term care and support for adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and complex needs. It is one of six homes, owned and run by Richardson Care, an independent family business. The company also provides specialist care and neuro rehab for adults with acquired brain injury.
Greg Richardson-Cheater, Director, said: “Thank you to the whole team, particularly the staff who were involved in the inspection, as well as the service users and their families.
“We’re delighted that the CQC recognised the great work that we’re doing to improve the lives of our service users. We were close to ‘outstanding’ in some categories, and are never complacent, always looking to improve.”
Improving outcomes for service users
The report concluded that Richardson Care “employed a multi-disciplinary team (MDT), which consisted of consultants from differing professions, which enabled the people using the service to access specialist support and care promptly.
“The team worked together effectively to improve outcomes for people using the service.”
It added that Richardson Care “supported people to maintain and develop their independence, treated people as individuals, and people who could take part verbally were involved in their assessment, development and formulation of their care.
“Staff and leaders were knowledgeable about their roles, accountability, responsibility and best practice. Staff felt supported and there were opportunities for staff to progress and be upskilled.
“Relatives felt involved in the people’s care, including being part of care planning and the review process. There was positive feedback about staff who worked at the service, and we observed positive interactions between people and staff.”
Effectiveness of the service
The service at Duston Road was particularly praised for its effectiveness, scoring 79/100 and 4/4 in the ‘monitoring and improving outcomes’ section.
The CQC looked for evidence that people’s care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life, based on best available evidence.
The inspectors concluded that Richardson Care “routinely monitored people’s care and treatment to continuously improve it.
“They ensured that outcomes were positive and consistent, and that they met both clinical expectations and the expectations of people themselves.”
In addition, they said that Richardson Care “used monitoring tools, such as Antecedent, Behaviour and Consequence charts (ABC charts) to monitor people’s distress and reactions to situations, to identify themes. This information was then used to develop creative solutions to improve outcomes and quality of life for people.”
The report also stated that Richardson Care “supported people to manage their health and wellbeing to maximise their independence, choice and control.
“Staff supported people to live healthier lives and where possible, reduce their future needs for care and support.”
Equity in experiences and outcomes
Greg Richardson-Cheater added: “Many of our service users have very complex needs, so we were pleased that the CQC recognised the ways in which we aim to offer all individuals opportunities for fulfilment.
“We were delighted at our service at Duston Road scored 4/4 in the ‘equity in experiences and outcomes’ section.”
The report stated: “Staff and leaders were innovative in how they listened to information about people who are most likely to experience inequality in experience or outcomes.
“Staff and leaders actively used this information to provide exceptionally tailored care, support and treatment in response to this.”
[Richardson Care] “recognised that where people rely on staff to anticipate their needs, they would likely not experience the same outcomes as others.
“To overcome this, they utilised tools and practices to provide similar opportunities and experiences.
“They used their knowledge of people to gauge their reaction to events or activities to establish how they felt about them.
“Additionally, they utilised communication tools, such as pictures, or personalised sign language, to explain events and activities, and enable people to communicate their feelings.”
The report added that Richardson Care “listened to people and took steps to overcome any issues or barriers in their care.
“They also recognised specific areas where people could miss out, such as friendship groups and socialising with peers, so provided opportunities within their organisation for people from different services to meet and socialise with their peers.
“They provided access to specialist support and professionals via their multi-disciplinary team (MDT), which enabled people to navigate potential waiting times, and access the support promptly.”
Responsiveness of the service
When assessing the responsiveness of services, the CQC looks for evidence that the provider meets people’s needs.
Regarding person-centred care for people with learning disabilities at 23 Duston Road, the inspectors reported that we “made sure people were at the centre of their care and treatment choices and they decided, in partnership with people, how to respond to any relevant changes in people’s needs.”
The report continued: “People, their relatives, and relevant professionals, were involved in the planning of their care and reviews were largely person centred.
“Needs and preferences were detailed throughout people’s plans, and we saw evidence that people were empowered to make their own decisions.”
The inspectors “observed person-centred interactions between staff and people whilst at the service. Shifts were also scheduled in a person-centred way.
“Where people needed additional support to access the community, this was scheduled for a time of day that suited their needs, as opposed to the needs of the service.”
To arrange a visit to 23 Duston Road, contact the admissions and referrals team at Richardson Care on 01604 435781 or admissions@richardsoncares.co.uk
To find out more about specialist services for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs, and for those with acquired brain injury, go to www.richardsoncares.co.uk
