First inspection of Real Life Options Newcastle and Durham, a supported living service, rated Good overall and across all five key questions. Minor issues noted with PRN medicine documentation detail and recruitment challenges, but governance, person-centred culture and safeguarding practices were strong.
Concerns (3)
minor
Medication management
: “'As and when required' medicine documentation did not always include enough detail.”
minorStaffing levels: “The registered manager acknowledged that recruitment had been challenging recently.”
minorStaff training: “The classroom-based training is very good, but the online training could be more comprehensive.”
Strengths
· Medicines were managed safely with regular audits identifying issues
· Safeguarding concerns were recorded, reported and investigated appropriately
· Detailed person-centred care plans including risk assessments
· Staff received regular training, supervision and appraisal
· Management team worked within the principles of the MCA with appropriate DoLS applications
Quality-Statement breakdown (22)
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: Staff working with other agencies to provide consistent, effective, timely careGood
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
responsive: End of life care and supportGood
well-led: Promoting a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empoweringGood
well-led: Managers and staff being clear about their roles, and understanding quality performance, risks and regulatory requirementsGood
well-led: Engaging and involving people using the service, the public and staffGood
well-led: Continuous learning and improving careGood