15 June 2021
During an inspection looking at part of the service
Vivo Care Choices Specialist Autism Service is a supported living service providing personal care to 21 people at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 22 autistic people and people with a learning disability
People supported live in shared housing which are situated close to each other. These consist of nine dwellings; six of which are bungalows. A further address is located within a short distance of other dwellings.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
Quality assurance systems were in place. Safeguarding investigations held earlier this year had identified actions to aid quality assurance. These were included on an action plan and was in progress. We have raised a recommendation about completing this plan to enhance quality of support for people. People and their relatives considered the service to be well-led and felt that all staff sought to extend opportunities for people in their daily lives. People felt involved and engaged in the support they received.
People and their relations felt they were safe when being supported. We have raised a recommendation about the whistle-blowing procedure. Staffing levels were maintained. Risk assessments reflected risks faced by people during their support and from their environment. Medication administration had been reinforced and peoples’ well-being was promoted.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff did always support them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability the choices, dignity, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. Right Support, right care, right culture is the statutory guidance which supports CQC to make assessments and judgements about services providing support to people with a learning disability and/or autistic people.
This service was able to demonstrate how they were meeting the underpinning principles of Right support, right care, right culture.
The service had developed and responded to the need to support people within the Cheshire West area who sought to be more independent with their lives as tenants but receiving appropriate staff support each day. People lived in accommodation located in a cul-de-sac as well as support provided to people at an address in the neighbourhood. Staff support is very person-centred and matches people’s individual needs and preferences. As an example, one person lives in their own accommodation and receives minimal support in line with their wishes but is able to live safely and independently. Staff perceptions of the location is of being neighbours as opposed to being one larger accommodation. The presence of the main office on site does not impact on people’s accommodation and is seen as a focus for support for people and staff alike.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was Good (published 4 September 2019).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Vivo Care Choices Specialist Autism Service on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.