Serenity House

Product Information

We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability the choices, dignity, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. Right Support, right care, right culture is the statutory guidance which supports CQC to make assessments and judgements about services providing support to people with a learning disability and/or autistic people.

The service was in the process of being adapted and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them. VNA Health is proud to offer our Serenity House as a unique option in end-of-life care for hospice patients whose needs cannot be met at home. Patients are cared for in a tranquil and homelike setting. Each private room allows patients to be surrounded by loved ones throughout their time with us. We observed that staff treated people with dignity and respect. There was a relaxed atmosphere in the home and staff communicated well with the people who used the service and promoted an inclusive, supportive environment. For adult social care services, the maximum time for being in special measures will usually be no more than 12 months. If the service has demonstrated improvements when we inspect it. And it is no longer rated as inadequate for any of the five key questions it will no longer be in special measures.This service was able to demonstrate how they were meeting the underpinning principles of Right support, right care, right culture. People received personised care, they were involved in planning their care to ensure the structure of their daily lives were as far as possible supported by their own choices. We found a breach of Regulation 17, Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, Good governance.

Full information about CQC’s regulatory response to the more serious concerns found during inspections is added to reports after any representations and appeals have been concluded.People told us they felt safe with the staff who supported them. Staff we spoke with had good knowledge of their responsibilities in relation to protecting people from abuse. Information in people’s care plans gave staff the guidance to provide effective support. People’s medicines were managed safely, and staff showed a good understanding of how to reduce the risk of infection for the people they cared for. Systems for monitoring medicines were not consistent with national guidance. Arrangements were not consistently in place to ensure the safe administration and management of medicines. Quality monitoring systems were not consistent. Audits did not always identify shortfalls and where shortfalls were identified, action was not always taken to resolve them. The provider had failed to notify us about an incident they were required to by law. There was an open, person centred culture in the service. There had been recent changes in the management team which had a positive impact on sharing a vision for the service. However, people, staff and relatives felt the registered manager was approachable and cared about people.

The provider ensured that all staff received appropriate professional development. People who lived in the home confirmed that staff had the right knowledge and skills to support them. One person told us that since coming to Serenity House they had managed to 'Change my life, turn my life around'. We were told how their relationship with their family had also improved. The other person was equally positive about the service.We saw that staff obtained people’s consent before providing care to them. People did not have access to activities and community facilities. A complaints procedure was in place. There were appropriate management arrangements in place. Staff felt supported by the provider and assistant manager and staff meetings took place. Regular audits of the service were carried out to assess and monitor the quality of the service. Dr Gary Bell is an experienced Consultant Psychiatrist and Executive Coach at Cognacity in central London as well as having his own private practice. Serenity House are very privileged to have access to his services on an advisory basis. y. He became a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 1985 and became a Fellow in 2000. In the residential service, we found people were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Serenity House is registered to provide accommodation for up to three adults who may have complex needs including learning disabilities, mental health and/or substance misuse issues. At the time of our inspection there two people living at the home. The provider of the service was also the manager. The service has two team leaders and six care staff as well as an administration worker.