Archived: Care Management Group - Brent Supported Living

Updated 9 March 2019

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

The inspection took place on 23 January 2019 and it was announced. We told the provider two days before our visit that we would be coming. We gave the provider notice of our inspection as we needed to make sure that someone was at the office in order for us to carry out the inspection. One inspector carried out this inspection.

Before our inspection, we reviewed information we held about the service. This included notifications and other information sent to us by the service. The provider completed and returned to us a provider information return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.

There were three people who used the service. However, due to their learning disabilities, they did not provide us with feedback regarding the care and services provided. We were able to speak with two of their relatives. We also spoke with the registered manager and four support workers who were on duty at the supported living service. We also obtained feedback from the GP and three care professionals.

We reviewed a range of records about people’s care and how the service was managed. These included the care records for the three people who used the service, two new staff recruitment records, staff training and induction records. We checked the policies and procedures and other records associated with the management of the service.

Updated 9 March 2019

We undertook this announced inspection on 23 January 2019. Care Management Group - Brent Supported Living is a supported living service providing personal care support for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Accommodation is provided by Brent Council. At the time of our inspection, the service was caring for three people with very complex needs.

This service provides care and support to people living in a ‘supported living’ setting, so that they can live as independently as possible. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for supported living. In respect of supported living, this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support.

At our last inspection on 29 June 2016 the service met the regulation we looked at and was rated GOOD. At this inspection the service met the regulations we looked at and is again rated GOOD.

The service has a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements of the Health and Social Care Act and associated regulations about how the service is run.

People who used the service did not provide us with feedback regarding the care and services provided. This was due to difficulties associated with their learning disabilty. We spoke with two relatives of people who used the service. They told us us that they were satisfied with the care and services provided for people. Care professionals also told us that people were well cared for.

There was a safeguarding adults policy and suitable arrangements for safeguarding people from abuse. The service was committed to anti-discrimination and upholding the human rights of individuals. There was a policy on ensuring equality and valuing diversity. Support workers recognised the importance of treating all people with dignity and respect.

The service had been able to care effectively for people with complex needs. Support workers were knowledgeable regarding the individual needs of people. People’s care needs and potential risks to them had been assessed and documented. Comprehensive and up to date care plans were in place. Relatives and representatives of people had been consulted regarding people’s care needs.

People were encouraged to be as independent as possible and to engage in social and therapeutic activities. The service had organised a variety of activities for people.

People's hydration and nutritional needs were met. Their healthcare needs had been attended to by healthcare professionals. There were suitable arrangements for ensuring that people received their medicines as prescribed.

Regular reviews of care had been carried out with people, their relatives and professionals involved to ensure that people received appropriate care. No complaints had been recorded since the last inspection in 2016. The registered manager explained that none had been received.

Support workers were committed and diligent in their work. They had been carefully recruited. They had the necessary training, support, supervision and appraisals from the registered manager. There were enough support workers to meet people's needs. Teamwork and communication within the service was good.

Audits and checks of the service had been carried out by the registered manager and senior staff of the company. These included checks on care documentation, medicines administration and health and safety checks of premises. Relatives and care professionals spoke highly of staff and told us that they found the service to be well managed.