Lifeways Community Care (South London)

This assessment was carried out in response to information of concern we received about the provider, which indicated possible risk to people using the service. This inspection did not examine the circumstances of the incident. This inspection was carried out to make sure people using the service were receiving safe and effective care.

The last rating for this service was good (published 22 February 2023). At this inspection we looked at all 33 quality statements under each of the 5 key questions. We have also 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.

Following this assessment, the service remains rated good overall.

Systems were in place to safeguard people from abuse. Staff had access to information about identified risks and understood how to manage these to keep people safe. There were enough staff whose fitness to work in adult social care had been checked. People received continuity of care from staff who were familiar with their needs, preferences and daily routines. Staff received relevant training and supervision to support them to meet people’s needs. Staff used personal protective equipment appropriately, and spot checks confirmed safe infection prevention and control practice. Medicines were safely managed.

People were involved in assessing and reviewing their care and support. They received person centred care and support based on their individual needs. Staff supported people to maintain their health and wellbeing, achieve their care goals and receive their medicines when they needed them. Staff understood the importance of obtaining consent and ensured this was done before providing care.

Staff treated people with dignity and respect. Staff were attentive to peoples expressed wishes and personal preferences in relation to how their care was provided. People were supported to have choice and control and to maintain their independence. They received information in formats that met their communication needs and were treated fairly and equally. Staff demonstrated an understanding of people’s rights and how to uphold them.

Managers were suitably skilled and knowledgeable, approachable and responsive to feedback. The provider encouraged feedback, acted on concerns, and managed complaints appropriately. The provider promoted an open and supportive culture, Managers helped staff develop in their roles, were inclusive and promoted their wellbeing. The provider operated effective systems to monitor the quality and safety of the service they provided people. The provider recognised when changes were needed to sustain improvements at the service and had invested in a new electronic records system to improve the quality and consistency of records maintained by staff. The provider was working with local healthcare partners to address identified areas for improvement and strengthen partnership working.