Real Life Options - Long Eaton Supported Living and Outreach

CQC only inspects where people are receiving a regulated activity. At the time of this inspection, 9 people were receiving support in line with the regulated activity of personal care personal under the assessment service group (ASG) supported living. The provider supported people under the homecare ASG, but no person in receipt of personal care at this time, therefore it was not possible to undertake an assessment.

This was the first assessment of this location since registration on 3 May 2022. This assessment was carried out in part due to us receiving concerns about how the service was run and the potential impact of that on the people who were supported. This assessment identified no risk of ongoing harm or concern to people. The provider identified where lessons had been learned in response to the concerns raised, actions had been developed and implemented and improvements made. All stakeholders provided feedback in support of this.

The service is registered for use by autistic people and people with a learning disability. We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability the choices, dignity, independence and outstanding access to local communities that most people take for granted. Right support, right care, right inclusive, innovative culture of continuous improvement is the statutory guidance which supports CQC to make assessments and judgements about services providing support to people with a learning disability and/or autistic people. We considered this guidance as there were people using the service who have a learning disability and, or who are autistic. The CQC quality of life tool was used for reference by the inspector throughout the assessment.

A registered manager application was submitted by the manager with current oversight for the service prior to the assessment starting. The management team were open throughout the assessment process, quickly engaging with the inspector to develop an effective working relationship. All staff understood and were committed to the values of the organisation and consistently demonstrated this through their interactions with others.

The provider implemented systems to check and monitor all areas of their service delivery. During the assessment it was identified where some minor improvements could be made to ensure people’s most up to date information was accurate and consistently available in their care records. The provider was responsive to this feedback and considered the most effective actions to further improve their system, including staff training opportunities. Staff knew people well and were confident the communication systems in place were effective and ensured staff were up to date with any changes in people’s needs and support.

The support provider worked closely with the housing providers to promote successful tenancies for the people they supported. Some people lived in ordinary houses shared with another person, where they had their own bedrooms and shared communal areas. The provider supported people throughout the process of another person moving into their shared home. This was to ensure people were involved in the process as much as they could be and their views taken on board. Other people lived in their own flats in purpose-built accommodation. People were supported to develop relationships with their neighbours where they wished to.

Staff feedback was consistent they were happy to work for the provider. One member of staff told us, “I love going to work. Staff [team] get on, morale is great. We have a good rapport with the people we support.”