Archived: Grace Eyre Shared Lives London

Grace Eyre Share Lives London recruits, assesses, trains and supports self-employed Shared Lives carers. An adult who needs support and/or accommodation moves in with or regularly visits an approved shared lives carer, after they have been matched for compatibility. Carers were supported by a management team and care coordinators based at the service's office.

Some people supported by Grace Eyre Shared Lives London did not receive a regulated activity from the service. The CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with ‘personal care’, which includes help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also consider any wider social care provided. At the time of our inspection the service supported 32 people and only four people were assisted with personal care.

This inspection took place on 30 October 2018 and was announced. This is the first inspection since the re-registration of the service in December 2017. The service was previously registered at a different address. At their last inspection in July 2017 the service was rated GOOD.

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.

Guidance was available and followed by carers and care coordinators on how to support people to stay safe from abuse and any incidents and accidents occurring. Pre-employment checks were carried out to employ fit staff to take care of people. Systems were in place to determine the assistance people required to meet their care needs, including the support required with administration of medicines. The service ensured that cover was provided to support people if a main carer was on leave. Staff followed people’s risk management plans to mitigate any potential risks to people. However, some assessments had to be carried out to review the risks that were well managed to ensure they continued to meet people’s needs as necessary.

Care coordinators were provided with on-going guidance and support which meant they could carry out their responsibilities as required. People were involved and made the decision if they wanted to live with the matched carers. People were supported to access healthcare services when they needed medical attention. Systems were in place to support people with their dietary requirements. The service monitored people’s ability to make decisions for themselves as required by the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). However, some carers and care coordinators were not provided or up-to-date with the required training courses but the service took immediate action to address this.

People had their communication needs assessed and recorded which guided carers on the assistance they required to get involved in conversations and express their views. Carers were aware of people’s spiritual needs and supported their religious beliefs. People had support to access community organisations for support to protect their rights where necessary. Carers assisted people in a way they could maintain their independence where possible.

People were supported to provide feedback about the service and raise their concerns and complaints should they have any. Carers felt confident to approach the management team for making changes to people’s care if necessary. People’s care needs were appropriately assessed and recorded which provided carers with guidance on the assistance people required. However, some care plans required updating with missing information such as people’s allergies.

There was a good leadership at the service where carers felt well supported in their role. Policies and procedures were in place to support carers in delivering person-centred care for people. Care coordinators worked as a team and followed good practice to share information appropriately. Audits were regularly carried out to check if people’s care records were up-to-date and reflected their care needs.