Background to this inspection
Updated
30 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 completed by one inspector.
Service and service type
This service is a domiciliary care agency. This service provides care and support to people living in 35 ‘supported living’ settings, so that they can live as independently as possible. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. The Care Quality Commission (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 CQC. 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
We gave 48 hours’ notice of the inspection. This was because it is a small service and we needed to be sure the registered manager would be in the office to support the inspection.
What we did before inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service. We sought feedback from the local authority safeguarding and contract teams and professionals who worked with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections. We used this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We visited three supported living houses and spoke with five people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with the registered manager, the regional quality lead, two team managers and five care workers.
We reviewed a range of documents. This included four people’s care and medicine records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. We reviewed a variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures.
After the inspection
We spoke with three relatives by telephone to obtain their views of the service and experience of the care provided to people.
Updated
30 August 2019
About the service
Housing and Support Solutions DCA, provides care and support to people with learning disabilities and autism in 'supported living' settings, so they can live in their own home as independently as possible. The properties ranged in size from single person flats to houses shared by four people. At the time of this inspection 11 people were receiving the regulated activity personal care.
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
Staff were trained, skilled and well-supported by the provider. People had good relationships with the staff who protected their rights to lead a normal life. People appeared relaxed and comfortable with staff and in their surroundings. People were supported to do the things they wanted to.
The provider had systems in place to safeguard people from abuse. Staff demonstrated an awareness of each person's safety and how to minimise risks for them. Sufficient numbers of staff were employed to support them. Systems were in place to recruit staff safely.
Medicines were managed safely. Accidents and incidents were monitored to identify and address any patterns or trends to mitigate risks. Staff remained committed to supporting people to manage their anxieties and behaviours in a positive way.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People received personalised care responsive to their needs, including promotion of good health and wellbeing and access to health care services. Care plans were detailed and up to date about people's individual needs and preferences. Staff worked well with other professionals and services to ensure people received the support they needed to stay well and safe.
The management team and staff valued people as individuals. Staff were caring and were observed treating people with dignity and respect.
The outcomes for people who used the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent. People with learning disabilities and autism who used the service could live as ordinary a life as any citizen.
There was a positive culture within the service; staff felt listened to and supported and worked well as a team. The management team were approachable and accessible. Systems were in place to improve the quality and safety of the service. People and staff had the opportunity to feedback about the service. There was a system in place to respond to any concerns.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC’s website at www.cqc.org.uk.
Rating at the last inspection
At the last inspection, the service was rated good (published 16 February 2017).
Why we inspected
This was a scheduled inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received, we may inspect sooner.