Phoenix

Updated 25 June 2022

The inspection

This was a targeted inspection to check on a specific concern we had about people being safeguarded from abuse and that people were receiving support from enough staff to provide them with the support they needed.

Inspection team

The inspection was carried out by two inspectors.

Service and service type

This service provides care and support to people living in six ‘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

This inspection was unannounced

What we did before inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service and sought feedback from the local authority who commissions care from the service. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

Nominated individual standard phrase to use if you speak with them as part of your inspection: The nominated individual is responsible for supervising the management of the service on behalf of the provider.

During the inspection

We spoke with four people who used the service and one relative about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with five members of staff including the registered manager, assistant manager, two support workers and the nominated individual. The nominated individual is responsible for supervising the management of the service on behalf of the provider.

We observed interactions between people and the staff supporting them.

We looked at a staff file in relation to recruitment. A variety of information relating to safeguarding and raising a complaint.

Updated 25 June 2022

About the service:

Phoenix is a domiciliary care agency. It provides a service to adults with learning disabilities and autism. This service provides care and support to people living in five ‘supported living’ settings. At the time of our inspection the service was supporting 16 people. For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection:

Requires improvement (published 20 March 2017).

Why we inspected:

This inspection was a scheduled inspection based on the previous rating.

People’s experience of using this service:

People told us they were happy, felt safe and that staff had a good understanding of their needs and preferences. Staff listened to what people wanted and acted quickly to support them to achieve their goals and aspirations. Staff were innovative and looked to offer people solutions to aid their independence and develop their skills.

People had good community networks which were personal to them. This included, day services and supporting people to access the local amenities and maintaining regular contact with family and friends. Equality, Diversity and Human Rights (EDHR) were promoted and understood by staff.

Improvements had been made to staff training and appraisals since the last inspection. Staff felt they were well trained and skilled. They worked with people to overcome challenges and promote their independence. The emphasis of support was towards enabling people to learn essential life skills. Staff encouraged positive risk taking so people could experience new things and develop. This had led to people feeling fulfilled and living an active life.

People and their families described the staff as caring, kind and friendly and the atmosphere of the home as relaxed and engaging. 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.

Leadership was visible and promoted good teamwork. People, professionals and staff spoke highly about the management and staff had a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. The registered manager and staff team worked together in a positive way to support people to achieve their own goals and to be safe. Checks of safety and quality were made to ensure people were protected. Work to continuously improve was noted and the registered manager was keen to make changes that would impact positively on people's lives.

The service was reviewing how best they could meet the values that underpin the 'Registering the Right Support' and other best practice guidance such as 'Building the Right Support'. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. Also, how people with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

A full description of our findings can be found in the sections below.

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.