Background to this inspection
Updated
24 December 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 team consisted of one inspector and an Expert by Experience. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service. On this occasion the Expert by Experience completed telephone calls to people who use the service and their relatives.
Service and service type
This service provides care and support to people living in supported living settings, 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
We gave the service one working days’ notice of the inspection. This was because it is a small service and we needed to be sure that the provider or registered manager would be in the office to support the inspection. We also wanted to ensure there would be people at home to speak with us.
What we did before the inspection
The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report. We gave the provider the opportunity to share with us any information they felt relevant to the inspection.
During the inspection-
We spoke with seven people who used the service in person. We also spoke with seven people and four relatives by telephone, to share with us their experience of the care provided. We spoke with ten members of staff including the regional quality manager and area manager, registered manager, team leaders and support workers.
We reviewed a range of records. This included four people’s care records and multiple medication records. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
After the inspection –
We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data and other quality assurance records.
Updated
24 December 2019
About the service
Lifeways Community Care (Chesterfield) are registered to provide personal care and support to people either living in the community in their own homes or to people who live in shared accommodation under tenancy agreements, self-contained bungalows or apartments within the community. At the time of the inspection the service was supporting 78 people of which 30 were under the regulated activity of 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 and what we found
The provider had not always used their audits effectively to reflect on actions. The changes in staffing had impacted on the required checks not being completed and actions followed through. The staff had not always been supported in a formal way, this meant we could not be sure all aspects of improvement would be recorded or considered.
Staff had not always received training to support their role and this could have an impact on the care people received. Although there were enough staff to support people’s needs the use of agency had created a culture of uncertainty for some people.
People felt safe and protected from the risk of harm or infections. When they received regular staff, they felt this enhanced their care experience. Medicines were managed safely. Risk assessments had been completed and any guidance provided. Lessons had been learnt and shared to reduce ongoing risks. Staff had been recruited safely.
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. Staff supported people to have daily choices and encouraged their independence.
Peoples health care was promoted, and measures taken to improve their wellbeing. Pre-assessments had been completed to reflect bespoke needs and matching to other people who they would share accommodation with. From initial assessments care plans had been developed which included preferences and information to ensure the person received the correct support at the right time.
People were able to receive information in a variety of formats and their communication was supported by a range of methods. Individuals cultural and spiritual needs were supported. Activities were on offer to people which including using local services and day care settings.
Peoples dignity was respected, and relationship had been developed. Any complaints were addressed, and people had been given some opportunities to express their thoughts on the service.
New initiatives were being developed to encourage more co production on all aspects of the services. This involved partnership working and driving improvements.
The provider had displayed their rating and ensured we received notifications about events which had occurred at the service.
The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence.
The outcomes for people using 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.
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 ( 22 June 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.