Inspectors heap praise on Sheffield care home for autistic people
“People told us they felt genuinely listened to and free to make choices about their own lives”
A Sheffield care home where autistic people “feel genuinely listened to” was rated outstanding in its first inspection.
Collegiate House, in Collegiate Crescent, Broomhall, has received a spotless rating from the Care Quality Commission for helping its residents with learning disabilities live full and safe lives.
The watchdog said it found carers could guarantee “respect, equality, dignity, choice, independence and access to local communities that most people take for granted” for its residents.
Examples included how staff helped one person who found health appointments frightening feel confident enough to attend them.
Staff used goals, simple stories and progress reviews to talk the person through what would happen, and the person went on to attend a dental check-up, something they had previously struggled with.
Carers also adapted a person’s living space so they could get around safely and confidently on their own. This included fitting equipment that let the person ask for help whenever they needed it, while still giving them the freedom and privacy to spend time alone.
One person learned to save money towards experiences and events that mattered to them because they were supported to managing their own finances. This gave the person more independence and control over their day-to-day life.
As a result, Collegiate House, ran by Moorville Developments Ltd, was rated ‘outstanding’ in its first ever inspection.
Victoria Marsden, deputy director of adult social care in the north region, said: “We know that outstanding services are those where people receive truly person-centred support, and that’s exactly what we found at Collegiate House.
“People told us they felt genuinely listened to and free to make choices about their own lives. One person spoke about being supported to explore their identity and that staff had been really supportive every step of the way. Another person told us how staff gave them the time and space to make their own decisions, gently prompting rather than instructing them, so they always felt in control.
“What made this care possible was how leaders had built a stable, well-trained staff team who really got to know people over time. One relative told us leaders never used agency staff, and that new starters always had to shadow before working with their loved one, meaning people were cared for by faces they knew and trusted.
“People and their relatives told us how safe and happy they felt. We heard how one person’s move to a different room, prompted by their own request, made a real difference to their comfort and wellbeing. Staff also worked with families to design personalised plans that helped people feel settled and secure.
“We saw how leaders listened to feedback to make real changes to people’s day-to-day lives. For example, they upgraded the Wi-Fi after someone raised concerns, and installed a gate and alarm so someone could have the independence to be alone when they needed to, while staying safe.
“Everyone at Collegiate House should be proud of this report, which reflects the outstanding, person-centred care they’re providing. Other services should look to this report to see if there’s anything to learn from it.”