Vicarage Lodge

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.

Staff used creative and inclusive ways to help people communicate their wants and wishes. Staff used a diverse range of tools and strategies to help people communicate their choices and preferences. People with very complex conditions were empowered by staff through this approach, to make daily living choices for themselves.

The provider's vision and values were inclusive and person-centred to make sure people were at the heart of the service. This vision was driven by the exceptional leadership of the management team. Relatives spoke extremely highly about the provider and Vicarage Lodge. Comments included, "They are a wonderful company who do great things" and "It should be held up as an exemplary company. They have found a different way to provide care."

There was a strong emphasis on continuous improvement. One relative told us, "They are always learning to see how they can further people's wellbeing." An advanced centralised electronic monitoring system was in place. Every aspect of people's care and support and the management of the service were monitored in 'real time.' This enabled management staff to immediately identify any issues or changes that needed attention and evidence showed that they acted swiftly, applying the ethos of the service to continually strive for improvements to people's individualised care experiences.

People were fully and regularly supported to take positive risks to enable them to live fulfilling lives. Core staff teams worked extremely effectively together and were built around meeting the needs of people.

There was a strong emphasis on the importance of eating and drinking well. The provider had set up 'training kitchen' workshops. Staff and people attended sessions to learn about the effects of cooking and pureeing of food.

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.

People received care and support from staff who knew them well. Relatives were positive about the care provided. One relative told us, "They look after [name of person] as well as we could."

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.