Options for Supported Living

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.

The culture of the service ensured the provision of support as individual as the person receiving it. Management and staff displayed a clear vision and, consistent values in relation to the provision of care and support. People were supported and empowered by staff to control their own lives and live a life which was meaningful to them.

People were treated with the utmost dignity, respect and empathy and empowered to make choices to live a life of their choosing.

People had a say in who they wanted to support them, and took an active part in staff recruitment processes. Staff completed a thorough induction and undertook regular training to meet the requirements of their role. Some staff had undergone additional training to meet the specific needs of the people they supported.

Care and support requirements were recorded in a truly person-centred way, with strong emphasis on how people wished and needed to be supported. Staff fully involved people and/or relatives with support plans and reviews. People were actively encouraged to make decisions about how their support was provided and staff were respectful and understanding of people's rights and choices.

Support plans and risk assessments were detailed, reflected people's individual needs, preferences, daily

routines, and were regularly reviewed to ensure the most up-to-date information was available for staff to follow. People's individual communication needs were recorded and understood, and information provided in a format appropriate for them, which meant they could participate fully.

People participated in activities and occupations of their choice. Staff encouraged people to lead healthy and active lifestyles and supported people in trying new things. People were supported and encouraged to maintain contact with friends and relatives and be a part of their local community.

People and their relatives were very complimentary regarding the supportive and caring nature of the staff team. Staff went out of their way to build up close supportive relationships with the people they supported, that were based on trust and the promotion of people's independence and self-worth.

The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence.

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.

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 were protected from the risk of harm and abuse. Clear policies and procedures were in place, staff had received training and felt confident to raise any concerns they had.

Medication was managed safely. Staff had access to medicines policies and procedures as well as best practice guidelines.

The service had a designated health lead with vast experience of supporting people with learning disabilities. They worked closely with other health professionals to ensure the delivery of effective care.

People's privacy and dignity was respected, and their independence promoted. Without exception, relatives spoke positively about the staff and management team.

People, relatives and staff views were regularly sought. The service often implemented change as a direct result of people's feedback.

The service used innovative methods, such assistive technology, to help improve the quality of people's lives.