Archived: Cygnet Supported Living

We then visited one of the shared housing facilities in the community and spoke with two people who received support from the service, support staff, and a registered mental health nurse (RMN), who had recently been employed by the organisation to provide floating clinical support between the two shared housing tenancies. We also spoke on the phone with two relatives of people who received support. The RMN told us that all of the people living in the supported living housing were subject to community treatment orders (CTO's), within which people had agreed to reside at specified addresses and received agreed treatment and support.

Both people we spoke to told us that they were satisfied with the support they received. One said 'It's good here because I get to go out every day.' Another told us 'It's the best of both worlds as I get to spend time here with staff if I need support, or be on my own in my flat if I want time to myself.'

Both of the relatives told us that they were also satisfied with the support their relative received. One told us 'They're (support staff) are all brilliant. It's such a relief and makes so much difference that I don't have to keep explaining x's problems every time'I don't need to worry at all and I know they won't put their foot in it, or how they say things as this can affect x's behaviour' Another relative said 'Cygnet care have been very good and flexible in the support they offer.'

We found that people had comprehensive assessment and support care plans, which contained information on the history and support needs of the people being supported. This meant support staff could be clear about what type of support a person needed, including what treatments, medication, and psychological support was needed. The assessment and support plans also identified any behavioural support needs a person may have and any other professionals outside of the service who were involved in their care and treatment.

Whilst observing the support given we heard and saw staff talking with people and offering them choice and support in a respectful and positive way.

We spoke with six staff including the registered manager to ask them about how they supported people. We found that people were fully involved in their assessment and in making choices about the care agreed their support plan. People participated in regular reviews of the care and support provided alongside care workers and other professionals who supported them. This included monitoring their progress, identifying any concerns or support needs and agreeing future goals and objectives. Three care records we looked at accurately reflected the care needs described to us by people, relatives and staff we spoke with and showed how the service supported people.

The service was compliant with the five standards inspected.