The Care Quality Commission
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Archived: Tenterden Independent Living Scheme

Town Hall, 24 High Street, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6AN (01580) 766382

Provided and run by:
Kent County Council

All Inspections

29 October 2013

During a routine inspection

There were 14 people who used the service. Only two of them received a service, namely personal care, that was regulated by the Commission. We met with those two people and spoke with their families.

We spoke with four staff members and with care co-ordinators who commissioned the service on behalf of people.

People, and their families, were pleased with the help they received from the service. '(name) could not be happier', 'She is happy there ' prefers it to coming home' and ' really do appreciate it (the care)' were amongst comments we received.

There was good cooperation between the service and other providers. One family member said,' it (coordinated care) is very well looked after'.

Staff understood how people were to be kept safe. We discussed with staff occasions where they had reported safeguarding issues. People felt safe and their relatives felt they were safe using the service. 'Yes, (name) is safe and I would know if not ' (name) would not want to go back if she did not feel safe'.

Staff received training, supervision and appraisal in order to provide care and support to an appropriate standard.

There were effective systems in place to protect people against the risks of inappropriate care.

5 February 2013

During a routine inspection

We spoke with three people who used the service and a relative. People told us they were treated with dignity and respect. One relative said that people were treated respectfully "Absolutely no question" the staff were so polite and helpful. People were encouraged to be as independent as possible. One person said they were "Happy with the care they received". People said care staff visited at times to suit the people who used the service and provided support and advice on many aspects of care, for example how to look after their own safety and that of their own personal property.

People said they were involved in planning their own care. They had consistent staff providing care and support and their own key worker which meant that staff knew people's individual needs and preferences. People had copies of their own care plans, had been involved in planning the type of support they received and how often it was offered on a weekly basis. People were asked regularly if they wanted any changes to the staff support they received.

People were positive about the staff; one person said "I feel it's brilliant what they do for us". A relative said about promoting independence the "staff safeguard people's best interest"...whilst ensuring people can live their own lives in the knowledge that they are supported by the service, "Freedom with security"..."I really couldn't be more happy with the care provided!"