Employ My Ability (EMA)

In 'supported living' settings people's care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for supported living; this inspection looked at people's personal care and support.

CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with 'personal care'; help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also take into account any wider social care provided.

Right Support People told us, and showed us, they felt safe. They were protected from harm because staff were trained to recognise signs of abuse and knew who to report this to if they had concerns.

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. Restrictions were identified by staff and actions were taken to reduce these.

People were supported by staff who understood the specific risks they faced and how to reduce these risks these without being restrictive.

Staff focussed on people's strengths and interests, this meant people had a fulfilling and meaningful everyday lives and opportunities to develop new interests.

There were enough staff to meet people's needs. The service had faced the same challenges as other providers due to the national shortage of care workers and this meant some staff worked long hours. Staff

were supported to reduce the risks associated with working long hours and recruitment was ongoing.

The service had a robust recruitment and selection process and worked to ensure people were supported by staff matched to their needs and preferences.

Staff enabled people to access appropriate health care and to play an active role in maintaining their own health and wellbeing.

Medicines were managed safely by staff who had received the relevant training and competency assessments. Medicines records were audited, and appropriate action taken if mistakes had been made. Improvements were made to the administration of 'as and when' medicine during our inspection.

Right Care Accidents and incidents were appropriately reported and reviewed by senior staff. Analysis was carried out to determine any themes and trends. Lessons learnt were shared with all staff to help prevent a recurrence.

We were assured by the service's processes to prevent and control infection.

Staff were respectful. They understood people's individual needs and provided appropriate care and support.

People received kind and compassionate care. Staff valued and respected the person/people they worked with, and this meant they respected people's privacy and dignity.

Staff knew people well and spoke confidently about people's needs. Support plans reflected people's individual needs.

Right Culture Staff told us they felt supported, and part of a strong team committed to ensuring the people they supported lived lives they chose. Staff spoke positively about the senior team including the provider/owners.

Staff evaluated the quality of support provided to people. People's views informed this process alongside feedback from staff, families, professionals and a range of audits and monitoring tools.

People's quality of life was enhanced by the service's culture of ongoing improvement and the values, attitudes and behaviours of the management and staff. The management structure had been altered to support the organisation's ethos, values, attitudes and behaviours.