About the service MacIntyre Welsh Marches is a supported living service providing personal care to people with learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorder living in their own home. At the time of our inspection there were 21 people receiving this type of care and support, living within 11 separate houses.
Between two and four people lived in each house. Each person had their own bedroom and shared the kitchen and living space with their housemates.
Not everyone who used the service received personal care. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also consider any wider social care provided.
The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that was appropriate and inclusive for them.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
Everybody felt they received an excellent service. The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support. Communication within the service was excellent at all levels and encouraged mutual respect between staff and people. People received exceptionally responsive care. Staff worked with people and relatives to find out people’s interests and needs so they could provide person-centred care. Staff developed people's daily living skills to boost their confidence and supported them where possible towards independent living.
There was a truly holistic approach to assessing, planning and delivering care and support. People’s wishes and choices were recognised and valued. They received excellent support to achieve a full and satisfying way of life. People were at the heart of the service, which was organised to suit their individual needs and aspirations.
We received positive feedback from partner agencies about the management of the service and the dedication of the staff. The registered manager demonstrated a strong and supportive leadership style, seeking feedback to further improve the care and support provided. The registered manager and staff team used innovative, but safe practices to develop people's independence and create a vibrant, happy and thriving community. The values of the organisation of offering choice, inclusion and respect were embedded. This supported people to receive the positive service described.
Staff were well trained and skilled. They worked with people to overcome challenges and promote their independence in every area of their life. Staff encouraged positive risk taking so people could experience new things and develop. This had led to people feeling fulfilled and living an active life.
Feedback from health and social care professionals was positive about the support given by staff. They said staff were proactive in managing people's behaviours and needs.
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.
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 10 December 2016).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
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.