Creative Support - Blackpool Service

People who received support in their own homes or a supported living house and their relatives told us they felt safe and protected in the care of Creative Support staff.

People who lived in supported housing and in the community, were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice. We found the management team had obtained each person's consent to care, or their representatives where this was applicable.

Staff responsible for assisting people with their medicines had received training to ensure they had the competency and skills required.

Risk assessments had been developed to minimise the potential risk of harm to people during the delivery of their care. These had been kept under review and were relevant to the care provided.

Care plan information focused on a person-centred method of supporting people. Also, information contained what support was required to maintain their independence within their own home and in supported living houses.

During the inspection visit to supported living houses we observed staff being kind and attentive to people in their care. They were caring, patient and respectful. One relative commented, "They are great and caring towards everyone."

People supported by the service told us they were treated with respect and by caring staff.

People told us and staff confirmed to us there were enough staff on duty to ensure people received care in a timely way. In addition, sufficient staff were deployed so that people had opportunity to access a wide range of activities including access to the local community settings.

The management team used a variety of methods to assess and monitor the quality of the service. These included staff meetings, spot checks and surveys to seek people's views about the service provided.

There was a complaints procedure which was made available to people and their family when they commenced using the service. People we spoke with told us they were happy with the support they received.

More information is in Detailed Findings below.

Rating at last inspection:

Good (report published 16 May 2016).

About the service:

Creative Support provides care and support services for people with learning disabilities and other complex needs. The service is involved in providing community and outreach Support and supported housing. The domiciliary agency office is based close to the town centre in Blackpool. The agency cares for adults with learning disabilities in supported houses and outreach support for people living alone or with families. The agency supports people in Fleetwood, Cleveleys and Blackpool. The service provides care and support varying from short visits to 24 hours a day support. At The time of the inspection visit the service supported 59 people in supported houses and in their own homes.