Background to this inspection
Updated
28 August 2019
The inspection
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
Inspection team
The inspection was carried out by one inspector.
Service and service type
This service provides care and support to people living in a ‘supported living’ setting, so that they can live 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 had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.
Notice of inspection
This inspection was announced. We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection. This was because the service is small and people are often out. We wanted to be sure there would be people at home to speak with us.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection and we contacted the local authority for feedback.The provider did not complete the required Provider Information Return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about the service, what it does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account in making our judgements in this report.
During the inspection
We spoke with all four people who used the service and two members of staff, including the registered manager. We reviewed the care records for two people. We looked at the recruitment records for one staff, policies and procedures, complaints, quality assurance records and staff supervisions.
Updated
28 August 2019
About the service
Freedom Supported Living is registered to provide personal care to people in their own homes. The service specialises in providing support to people with a learning disability. Support is provided to both individuals and to people living in small group settings. At the time of our inspection there were four people using the service.
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 is appropriate and inclusive for them.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People were protected from the risk of abuse and avoidable harm by staff who understood how to recognise and respond to concerns. The service ensured any incidents were recorded and investigated. Systems were in place to promote learning and improvement from any incidents to avoid them happening. People were supported to manage the risks in their daily lives. Positive risk-taking strategies maximised people's opportunities to engage in activities. Staff had been recruited safely and people were involved in recruiting their staff. At the time of the inspection no one was receiving medication, but we saw that staff had received appropriate training in medication.
People's needs had been thoroughly assessed and care plans were detailed. Due to the service being small staff knew the people extremely well and felt the care plans provided enough information to understand what support the person needed. Staff had received regular training and supervision to support them to meet people's needs. A comprehensive induction programme ensured new staff had a good understanding of their role and the values of the organisation. People were supported to maintain their health and wellbeing, through access to a range of health services.
The service was compliant with the Mental Capacity Act. 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. The service promoted people's choices.
People received person-centred care which was responsive to their needs. Care and support plans had been regularly reviewed to reflect any changes in the person’s needs and wishes. People had been referred for further input from professionals when required. People were encouraged to raise any concerns. No formal complaints had been received.
The registered manager failed to return the PIR, which is information we request prior to inspection. This has impacted on the rating. The registered manager was committed to providing high-quality, person-centred care. Staff spoke highly of the registered manager and the values they set. Roles and responsibilities were clear. Regular audits ensured care was provided effectively and records were accurately maintained.
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 (January 2017)
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.