Updated 21 February 2024
Care Support Bedford Branch provides care and support to people living in specialist ‘extra care’ housing. Extra care housing is purpose-built or adapted single household accommodation in a shared site or building. The accommodation is rented and is the occupant’s own home. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for extra care housing; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support service. At the time of our inspection 38 people were receiving personal care. We found that people were fully involved in the planning of their care, felt safe and protected from avoidable harm. There was strong leadership and staff were proud to work for the service. A positive culture was demonstrated by the attitudes of staff and management when we talked with them about how they supported people. One person was supported after death in line with their faith with staff opening the window due to their culture and belief as they had requested. Staff told us about an Elvis themed party with food and entertainment (disco) and staff held pantomimes at Christmas with all the staff dressing up in costumes. A sports day had been held during the summer which was adapted so it was inclusive of all people using the service. We carried out our on-site assessment on 22 and 23 April 2024; off site assessment activity started on 19 April 2024 and 25 April 2024.