First inspection of this newly registered supported living service rated Good across all five key questions, with strong person-centred culture, safe practices and effective management oversight. Minor shortfalls were noted in PRN medication protocols, medication audit completeness, the complaints policy signposting, and family engagement, all of which the provider began addressing during the inspection.
Concerns (4)
minor
Medication management
: “Where people required medication on an "as required" basis... We found that although some of these medicines had protocols, this was not the case for all of them.”
minorMedication management: “Medicines, and records of medicines, were audited frequently. However, we noted that the audit system had not identified all shortfalls.”
minorComplaints handling: “The provider had a complaints policy in place, although it did not direct complainants to the correct source of external remedy.”
minorCommunication with families: “a small number of relatives told us they did not always feel engaged and were not familiar with the management of the service.”
Strengths
· Personalised, person-centred care reflecting people's preferences and promoting independence
· Safe recruitment practices and sufficient staffing levels with one-to-one support where needed
· Strong staff training and induction, including learning disability, dementia and mental health
· Effective safeguarding systems with detailed risk assessments and staff trained to recognise abuse
· Good MCA practice with emphasis on supporting people to make their own decisions
Quality-Statement breakdown (21)
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseGood
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and management; Learning lessons when things go wrongGood
safe: Staffing and recruitmentGood
safe: Using medicines safelyGood
safe: Preventing and controlling infectionGood
effective: Assessing people's needs and choices; delivering care in line with standards, guidance and the lawGood
effective: Staff support: induction, training, skills and experienceGood
effective: Supporting people to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced dietGood
effective: Supporting people to live healthier lives, access healthcare services and supportGood
effective: Ensuring consent to care and treatment in line with law and guidanceGood
caring: Ensuring people are well treated and supported; respecting equality and diversityGood
caring: Supporting people to express their views and be involved in making decisions about their careGood
caring: Respecting and promoting people's privacy, dignity and independenceGood
responsive: Planning personalised care to ensure people have choice and control and to meet their needs and preferencesGood
responsive: Meeting people's communication needsGood
responsive: Supporting people to develop and maintain relationships to avoid social isolationGood
responsive: Improving care quality in response to complaints or concernsGood
well-led: Promoting a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empowering; duty of candourGood
well-led: Managers and staff being clear about their roles; continuous learning and improving careGood
well-led: Engaging and involving people using the service, the public and staffGood