4 September 2018
During a routine inspection
This service provides care and support to people living in their own homes and 'supported living' settings, so that they can live in their own home as independently as possible. People's care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for supported living; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support.
The provider was required to have a registered manager in post. There was a manager in post who had been registered since the service was registered. 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 in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance, with regards to the supported living houses. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen. The people receiving the service rented properties supplied by a housing association under individual tenancy agreements.
At this inspection we found that the safety of people, staff and visitors was actively maintained using risk management systems. Safeguarding referrals were made to the responsible investigating body. Suitable numbers of staff were recruited and deployed to meet people’s needs. The provider and staff safely managed medicines and the control and prevention of infection.
Staff were trained, skilled and had their competency assessed to carry out their roles. People’s nutritional and healthcare needs were met. People's rights were upheld through adherence to the Mental Capacity Act and associated legislation. Advocacy services were accessed for people that required them.
The staff were thoughtful and caring. People, their relatives and visiting professionals told us that staff were consistently caring and compassionate. The staff worked towards providing a person-centred culture. They respected people’s rights, privacy, dignity, diversity and independence.
People received a good responsive service. Staff followed tested ways of supporting people to meet their needs through effective care plans. Support to people reflected their preferences and cultural needs and people were helped to experience a variety of activities, pastimes and occupations when they wished. Complaints were appropriately responded to so that outcomes for people were satisfactory. People’s end of life care was suitable for their individual needs and wishes.
The registered manager was experienced, competent and knowledgeable, which ensured the service was well-led. They effectively used quality monitoring and assurance systems to improve the service, understood their legal and registration responsibilities, maintained supportive working relationships with others and ensured the secure and consistent completion of records and documentation.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.