Background to this inspection
Updated
24 March 2020
The inspection: We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
Inspection team: One inspector carried out the inspection.
Service and service type: 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. At the time of inspection, the service supported 36 people.
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 because we wanted to make sure someone was available to speak with us. We visited the registered office on 13 December 2019, made telephone calls to people receiving a service and their relatives on 19 December 2019 and with prior consent visited 14 people in their homes on 24 December 2019.
What we did before the inspection: Information had been gathered before the inspection from notifications sent to us. Notifications are used to inform us about certain changes, events or incidents that occur. We received feedback from local authorities that contracted services and reviewed other information from people who made their views known to us.
The provider sent us a provider information return. Providers are required to send us key information about their service, what they do well and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections.
During the inspection: We spoke with the eight care staff, two assistant managers, three service managers and the registered manager. We looked at care files belonging to six people who used the service and recruitment files including training records for five staff. We viewed records and documentation relating to the running and monitoring of the service.
After the inspection: We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data and quality assurance records.
Updated
24 March 2020
About the service: Royal Mencap Newark is a supported living service. 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; this inspection looked at people's personal care and support. At the time of our inspection 36 people were using this service. The service can support people who have a learning disability, sensory needs and/or a physical disability. It can also assist people who have mental health needs. The service had its office in Newark providing support to people living in Nottinghamshire.
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 coordinated person centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.
People's experience of using this service: Staff provided person-centred care based on people's choices, preferences and likes. People were supported to do the things they wanted to do. People were safe from harm because the provider had systems in place to manage safeguarding concerns and staff were appropriately trained in this area.
Staff dedication was valued by people who received care and their relatives confirmed this. Risks were managed effectively. Staff were recruited safely and sufficient numbers of staff were employed so that people's needs were met. People received effective support with their prescribed medicines and medicines that were as and when required.
People were supported to keep their homes clean and staff followed good food hygiene practice. Staff were trained, skilled and well supported by the management team to do their job. People and staff had positive and caring relationships with one another. Staff protected people’s rights; to lead as normal a life as possible. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
Care records were in depth and reflected people's current needs. Feedback records from people and relatives showed us staff were kind and caring. People's privacy and dignity were respected. Staff promoted people's independence in all aspects of their life. Complaints and concerns had been responded to appropriately. Quality audits had been completed effectively.
There was a registered manager in charge of day to day operations, whose office team were in regular contact with staff and people.
Rating at last inspection: At the last inspection on 8 April 2017 we rated the service Good.
Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received, we may inspect sooner.