23 January 2019
During a routine inspection
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.