6, 7 February 2013
During a routine inspection
We used a number of different methods to help us understand the experiences of people using the service, because the people using the service had complex needs which meant they were not all able to tell us their experiences. We spoke with the relatives of two people using the service, three of the management team and two care staff. We also observed a staff meeting taking place in relation to one of the supported living homes.
People's relatives told us that they were consulted about care planning and that staff promoted and respected people's choices. One said that staff 'kept on top' of people's health needs and another told us that the service had 'a sensible approach to risk'. They told us how staff supported people to take medications. They confirmed that staffing levels were right, for example one relative said that people using the service were 'settling down now that they have regular staff who they know'. They described staff as 'caring and helpful' and said that staff communicated with them well. They told us they would contact the person in charge if they had any concerns. One relative said that when they had raised a concern the service had responded appropriately.