A disability care service previously rated as 'good' has now been told it 'requires improvement' following its latest inspection.
Dorset Learning Disability Service, in Romulus Close, Dorchester, was given a new rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following a planned one-day visit in November 2018.
A report from the inspection published this month states that the service 'requires improvement' in responsiveness and leadership, while it was rated 'good' for safety, effectiveness and care.
The report states that residents at Romulus Close "did not have routine and structure to their day."
A CQC inspector wrote: "People were not always able to verbalise their views, we therefore observed and listened to the interaction between people and the staff who were supporting them.
"People were supported by staff who knew them well, however, people did not have access to communication aids that would promote their knowledge and independence.
"At the time of the inspection people did not have routine and structure to their day.
"People had sensory impairments or were living with autism, which meant it was important for them to have structure to their day and information which informed them of the what day it was and what the events of the day were going to be."
Romulus Close, operated by care company Leonard Cheshire, provides accommodation and personal care services for adults with learning disabilities. It also offers activities such as gardening and horse riding.
The home had previously been rated as 'good' in all areas after an inspection in June 2016.
Despite raising some concerns, the inspector said staff were "kind in their approach" to residents.
The report continued: "People’s privacy, dignity and independence were respected and promoted by staff.
"Staff responded promptly to people’s requests for assistance and regularly checked whether people were happy and comfortable."
The inspector concluded the report by saying that despite the quality assurance systems that were in place, audits were not always effective in identifying the issues found by the CQC during its inspection.
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