Highfield

Of the 16 people being supported, 14 people had a tenancy agreement to live in a shared supported living home; with 1 other person or more. The provider had listed the service type of ‘home care’ with us (CQC) but had not included the service type 24 hour ‘supported living’. During our inspection, we discussed this with the management team. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) took immediate action to add supported living to their service types listed with CQC and this was reflected in their Statement of Purpose describing the services provided.

We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.

We found the service was meeting this guidance, which meant people were supported in a way which maximised their dignity, choice and access to their local community. The provider was pro-active in creating local links to enhance people’s involvement in their community.

A consistent staff team delivered care and support in a person-centred way, in line with individual risk assessments. People were treated as individuals and staff knew them well.

Staff had been recruited safely and given an induction and opportunity to get to know people and read care plans before working to support people. Ongoing training was offered to ensure staff remained up to date in their skills. Staff felt very supported in their job roles by the management team and were happy working for the provider.

People received support from trained staff to take their medicines as prescribed. Staff helped people keep their homes home clean and tidy and followed the provider’s policy on infection prevention and control.

Staff understood how to communicate effectively with people. Some people were enjoying further developing their communication skills using basic signs (Makaton) by attending group sessions.

Staff understood the importance of gaining people’s consent when supporting people with, for example, personal care and maintained people’s privacy and dignity. Where people wished to have their own bedroom door key, they had this.

Staff had received training and this included how to protect people from the risks of abuse. Staff understood how to report any concerns they might have. The provider followed the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). Where people had restrictions placed upon their liberties, to keep them safe, this had been done in their best interests and in line with legal procedures, known as the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).

People were supported to access healthcare support when needed.