17 September 2018
During a routine inspection
This service provides care and support to people with a learning disability in two ‘supported living’ settings, so that they can live in their own home as independently as possible. This consisted of two residential houses which were within walking distance of each other. The houses were close to local amenities of shops and transport routes. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) does not regulate premises used for supported living; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support. At the time of the inspection seven people lived in the two supported living houses but only four of these received personal care and support. Each person had their own private bedroom and shared other areas of the house with the other occupants. This consisted of the kitchen, lounge and dining areas plus bathrooms and toilets.
At our last inspection we rated the service as Good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of Good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.
The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.
Risks to people were assessed and there were measures in place to ensure people were protected against any identified risks.
People said they were supported well to maintain and develop their independent living skills and said they felt safe at the service. Staff were trained in safeguarding procedures and had a good awareness of the importance of protecting people.
Medicines were safely managed. Sufficient numbers of staff were provided and checks were made on the suitability of new staff to work in a care setting. Staff were trained in infection control and prevention. The provider had a system for reviewing any incidents or accidents.
The provider supported staff with a range of training courses including nationally recognised qualifications in care.
People’s nutritional needs were assessed. People prepared their own meals with staff support. 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. Support was provided to people to live independently.
Staff had a good awareness of people’s rights to care and to be treated equally irrespective of any disability, age or sexual orientation. People were involved in decisions about their care. People’s privacy was promoted.
People received responsive care which met their individual needs and preferences. People were supported to attend social and recreational activities.
There was a complaints procedure, which was provided to people who said they were able to discuss any issues or concerns they had.
The service was well led. The culture of the service supported people to take part take part in how the service ran and in providing person centred care which helped people develop independent living skills. There was oversight of the service by the provider organisation and staff were supported to develop their skills and knowledge. There was a system of checks and audits regarding the safety and quality of the service.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.