Background to this inspection
Updated
2 July 2021
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. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.
Inspection team
The inspection was carried out by two inspectors.
Service and service type
This service provides care and support to people living in 26 ‘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.
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 a short period notice of the inspection because we needed to be sure that the provider or registered manager would be in the office to support the inspection.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with five people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with 15 members of staff including the registered manager, two service managers, two team leaders and ten support workers.
We reviewed a range of records. This included six people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
After the inspection
We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data and quality assurance records. We contacted two health and social care professionals who regularly visit the service for their feedback.
Updated
2 July 2021
About the service
Lifeways is a national supported living scheme. Lifeways Community Care Limited (Bolton) provides support for people living in the community in 26 group home settings and caters for people with a diverse range of needs, such as learning disabilities, autism and acquired brain injuries. The office is located in Bolton.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People said they felt safe at the service. Systems were in place to address any safeguarding concerns and staff were aware of the procedures. Risks were thoroughly assessed and managed. Health and safety checks and certificates were in place and up to date.
Systems for managing medicines were safe and staff had completed appropriate training. Infection control and prevention systems were appropriate and all guidance was followed.
People were well treated and interactions with staff were friendly and relaxed. Staff supported people to reach their personal goals. There was evidence of people’s involvement and inclusion in all aspects of their care and support. People were well presented and staff supported them sensitively with personal care tasks.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
The provider responded openly and honestly to complaints and concerns. Notifications were submitted as required to CQC.
Staff were recruited safely and staffing levels were sufficient to meet people’s needs. Staff induction was thorough and training was on-going and of a good standard. Management were supportive towards staff.
The service completed a number of audits and checks to inform improvements. The service worked well with other agencies and professionals.
We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability the choices, dignity, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. Right Support, right care, right culture is the statutory guidance which supports CQC to make assessments and judgements about services providing support to people with a learning disability and/or autistic people.
This service was able to demonstrate how they were meeting the underpinning principles of Right support, right care, right culture. The model of care, with small group settings, ensured people were able to have choice and control. Care was person-centred and people’s dignity and privacy promoted. Management and staff demonstrated values and behaviours that confirmed the right culture.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was good (published 2 November 2018).
Why we inspected
We received concerns in relation to general care and treatment. As a result, we undertook a focused inspection to review the key questions of safe, caring and well-led only.
We reviewed the information we held about the service. No areas of concern were identified in the other key questions. We therefore did not inspect them. Ratings from previous comprehensive inspections for those key questions were used in calculating the overall rating at this inspection.
The overall rating for the service has remained good. This based on the findings at this inspection.
We found no evidence during this inspection that people were at risk of harm from this concern.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.