Background to this inspection
Updated
23 January 2021
We carried out this targeted inspection to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.
Inspection team
The inspection was carried out by one inspector.
Service and service type
This service provides care and support to people living in a number of ‘supported living’ settings, 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; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support.
The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.
Notice of inspection
We gave the service 48 hours’ notice of the inspection. This was because it is a small service and we needed to be sure that the provider or registered manager would be in the office to support the inspection.
What we did before the inspection
The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report.
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service.
During the inspection
We spoke with the registered manager as well as two members of care staff. We reviewed a range of records including three care plans, risk assessments and training records. We also looked at a variety of other records relating to the management of the service.
After the inspection
We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at organisational audits and quality assurance records.
Updated
23 January 2021
About the service
Accredo Support & Development LTD is a supported living provider. It provides personal care, support and day services to people who are living in the community within supported living schemes. It provides a service to people living with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs.
Supported living
Eighteen schemes operate over Leicester, Leicestershire and Coventry and are a combination of separate flats and shared houses. Each scheme varies and some people will have a self-contained flat, whilst others will have their own bedroom but share facilities with other people. Each scheme is different with some having a separate bedroom for staff sleeping there over night, whilst some only have an office space for staff who are awake through the night.
Not everyone who used the service received personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also consider any wider social care provided. Fourteen people were receiving support with personal care at the time of inspection.
The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People were living safely with the risk of harm and abuse being minimised by the care and support given by staff. People were being encouraged to take positive risks and lead lives that were as independent as possible. People felt safe and trusted staff caring for them.
People received effective care and were offered choice from staff who knew them well. Staff were recruited safely and trained to provide care that met the complex needs of the people the service supported.
People felt cared for which improved their quality of life and well-being. Staff valued the people they supported and achieved job satisfaction from helping them.
People were encouraged to be independent and take part in activities and follow their interests in the wider community. This made people feel proud and that they had a sense of purpose.
Staff were led by supportive managers, including the registered manager. The service had an open and transparent culture which allowed staff to introduce ideas which benefitted the people they were working with.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence.
The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
This service was registered with us on 23/01/2019 and this was the first inspection.
The last rating for this service was Good (published 24 October 2018). Since this rating was awarded the registered provider of the service has moved premises. We have used the previous rating to inform our planning and decisions about the rating at this inspection.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.