14 July 2015
During a routine inspection
We inspected Small Opportunities on the 14 July 2015. Small Opportunities provided supported living to people living in the Brighton and Hove area. There were two houses and one two bedroom flat. The service supported nine people at the time of our inspection. The service provided 24 hour support for younger adults with a learning disability. The Care Quality Commission inspects the care and support the service provides, but does not inspect the accommodation they live in. The office base for the service was located away from people’s homes.
This inspection was announced, that meant the provider and staff knew we were coming shortly before we visited the service.
The service had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the CQC to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations about how the service is run.
People told us they felt safe and were happy living there. One person told us, “I always feel safe. If something is dangerous the staff will help me. For example, staff help with the ironing because I could burn myself or cause a fire because I can’t yet iron properly”. We saw people were supported by staff who knew them well, gave them individual attention and looked at providing additional assistance as and when required.
People and their relatives spoke positively of the service. They were complimentary about the caring, positive nature of the staff. We were told, “The staff here are caring. I like them because they are friendly and they help me. They help me with cooking, washing, ironing and general advice on how to live my life. I think they care about me very much. I am very happy.” Staff respected people’s privacy and dignity and their individual preferences.
Staff and the provider were knowledgeable about the Mental Capacity Act 2005. They were aware this legislation protected the rights of people who lacked capacity to make decisions about their care and welfare.
Staff received training to support them with their role on a continuous basis to ensure they could meet people’s needs effectively.
People told us they were supported to maintain their independence and maintain their life skills with the support from staff. One person said, “I feel like I am getting on well here and I think this is the best place for me.”
People received regular assessments of their needs and any identified risks. Records were maintained in relation to people’s healthcare, for example when people were supported with making or attending GP appointments. People said they liked the service because it provided support which was varied to meet their needs at the time.
People, relatives and staff spoke positively about the provider and said they were visible and could be easily contacted. The relative of one person said, “I can see or contact [the provider] at any time to air my views. Their heart is in the right place and that shows in everything they do. Whatever they do is for the right reason.”