Quality Checker Report: MENCAP

Healthwatch Wiltshire and Wiltshire People First carried out a Quality Checker visit to a Mencap-supported bungalow at 31 Kingsley Road, Chippenham, on 25 August 2015. The service was one of three nearby bungalows providing accommodation and support for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs. At the time of the visit, four people lived in the bungalow, with a total of eight residents across the three properties. 

The quality checkers found the service to be accessible and well maintained. The bungalow was single-storey with wide corridors and doorways suitable for wheelchair users and people using walking aids. The home appeared clean, tidy, and well decorated, creating a welcoming and homely environment. 

Staff were described as friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable about residents’ individual needs. The visiting team felt staff had a good understanding of how to support people with learning disabilities and communicated effectively with residents, including those who did not use verbal communication.

The report found evidence that residents were treated with dignity and respect. The bungalow was personalised to reflect residents’ preferences and personalities, and staff appeared attentive to individual needs and choices. One example involved a resident who had originally planned to go out but later changed her mind. Staff recognised this through her body language and sounds and respected her decision to stay at home.

Residents appeared happy and comfortable in the home. Two residents had lived there for more than 15 years, while another had moved in a year earlier. One resident spoke positively about enjoying trips out and organised activities and said he helped with household tasks such as vacuuming. Another resident was out for coffee with friends or family during the visit, suggesting that people were supported to maintain social connections. 

The quality checkers observed several examples of good practice. Residents had personalised bedrooms containing their own furniture, decorations, hobbies, and interests. One resident had decorated her room according to her preferences, including pink furniture and personalised storage arrangements, while another displayed photographs, ornaments, and items related to his interest in buses. The communal lounge had recently been refurbished, and residents had been involved in choosing aspects of the décor, including a feature wall colour.

The home also provided access to outdoor space, including gardens with raised beds where vegetables and herbs were grown. Residents each had their own seating in the communal lounge and opportunities to participate in activities and daily life within the home. 

While information about local events and community activities was displayed on noticeboards, the report noted that much of it was not provided in easy-read format. This was the only area identified for improvement, with the quality checkers recommending that more information be made available in accessible formats.

Overall, Healthwatch Wiltshire concluded that the bungalow was a pleasant place to live where residents could be themselves, make choices, and maintain their individuality. The home was described as clean, welcoming, and supportive, and residents appeared happy, comfortable, and well cared for. Both quality checkers stated that they would be happy to live there themselves.