9 May 2013
During a routine inspection
We spent time in two of the shared houses; we observed staff being friendly and warm towards people and that staff and service users had positive relationships. People appeared relaxed and comfortable with their surroundings; with staff and the activities they were engaged in.
The provider had responded appropriately to allegations of abuse and had appropriate policies and procedures in place which defined what constituted abuse and provided information for staff about the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).
We spoke with staff who told us that the agency was very supportive, particularly with regards to emergency out of office support. They told us they provided good opportunities for training to equip them with appropriate skills and experience.
People who used the service, their representatives and staff were asked for their views about their care and treatment and they were acted on. The annual survey was about to be sent to all people who used the service, their relatives and others such as people's social workers and health professionals. We saw that this had been produced in two formats, including an easy read version with pictures.