20 July 2018
During a routine inspection
Intrigue Homecare Limited provides a supported living service to people in their own homes, so that they can live in their own home 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 was delivered from a large detached property which was located close to the seafront and all local amenities. The house could accommodate up to five people. At the time of our inspection there were two people using the service.
The care service has been developed 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. 'Registering the Right Support' CQC policy.
The service had a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are 'registered persons'. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
People were safe living at the service. Risks to people had been assessed and management plans were in place to minimise the risk of harm. Staff knew what to do to keep people safe without imposing unnecessary restrictions on people's freedom.
Staff had been trained in how to protect people from the risk of abuse. There was a whistle-blowing policy in place which provided guidance to staff on how to report any concerns in the workplace.
Medicines were managed safely and staff had been trained and assessed as competent to administer people's medicines. There were sufficient staff deployed who had been safely recruited to meet people needs.
Training and supervision was provided to support staff to be competent in their role and ensure they had the skills and knowledge to provide effective support.
Consideration had been given to people's mental capacity and where required support was provided to help people make their own decisions and choices.
People were supported to have enough to eat and drink and have access to health care services to maintain their health and wellbeing.
Staff were kind and caring and listened to people and included them in how their care and support was delivered. Staff treated people with dignity and respect and helped people to be as independent as they could be.
People's needs were holistically assessed so that staff could provide individualised care that met each person’s needs and preferences.
The service supported people to have access to activities of their own choosing and opportunities for socialisation in the local community.
There were systems and processes in place to manage complaints. People's wishes for their end of life care were known and respected.
The service was well managed by a registered manager who was hands on at the service providing support and oversight of the staff team.
People and staff were included in the running of the service. Feedback was actively sought and used to improve the service.