The Care Quality Commission has rated Extra Care housing services in Bath and North East Somerset as “Good” following their first inspection after being taken over by B&NES Council.
The services were inspected by the CQC independent regulator in June and received a ‘Good’ rating in all five assessment areas.
Services delivered were said to be “safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led”.
Councillor Alison Born, cabinet member for Adult Services and Council House Building said: “I’m delighted with this inspection report for the five extra care services based at Avondown House, The Orchard and St John’s Court in Bath, Hawthorn Court in Keynsham and Greenacres Court in Midsomer Norton.
“Our staff work extremely hard to maintain high standards and deliver the right care at the right time to those who use the service.”
The Extra Care Services were taken over by Bath & North East Somerset Council in October 2020 and are delivered in partnership with Registered Housing Landlords Guinness, LiveWest and Curo.
Care and support are provided to older people with some care needs, including people living with dementia and those with learning difficulties.
People are supported to live as independently as possible in their own rented self-contained purpose-built or adapted flat across five supported living settings.
At the time of the inspection, 139 people were using the service.
CQC Inspectors highlighted the “caring nature” of staff, who they said treated people with dignity and respect. Comments from service users included: “Friendliest, most professional, very caring and conscientious staff.”
The CQC report said people were protected from the risk of avoidable harm and the care provided was designed to be responsive to individuals’ needs through personalised care plans.
The service was also praised for helping people to maintain their independence through maximum choice and control of their lives, supported by staff working in their best interests while upholding their right to privacy.
Councillor Born added: “This inspection report shows just what rewarding places Avondown House and the other extra care schemes are to work at.
“We have lots of opportunities available in a wide variety of roles right across Adult Social Care.
“You can find out how you can make a real difference to people’s lives by visiting our ‘Proud to Care’ website.”
The report made two recommendations to review training provision and to make amendments to care and support plans, to ensure staff have access to consistently detailed guidance.
