Autonomy Care Limited

People told us they felt safe. They told us there was usually a regular team of care staff and they mostly knew who to expect. Staff were appointed subject to satisfactory background, employment and character reference checks.

Where there were potential risks to people's safety and wellbeing, these were assessed, and risk-reducing measures were put in place for staff to follow. Staff understood their responsibility to recognise and report any safeguarding concerns. Staff had received safeguarding training.

Medicines systems were well managed. There were clear protocols in place to guide staff in administering people's medicines safely. Medicine records reviewed were up to date and accurate.

People's care plans reflected their needs and choices. There were plans in place for specific healthcare needs such as epilepsy, with clear guidance for staff to follow. There were efficient processes in place to update staff and the person's care plan in the event of any changes in the person's support needs.

People told us staff talked through everything they were supporting them with and sought their consent. People told us they felt the care staff were caring and respectful.

Where complaints and concerns had been received, these had been investigated and responded to appropriately.

People were invited to share their feedback with the service through reviews and surveys. The most recent survey results were mostly very positive. Where there were less positive comments, the management team followed up on these to see what could be done to make things better.

Staff received a range of different training. This included mandatory training such as equality and diversity and safeguarding.

Where people lacked the mental capacity to consent to decisions about their care, this was assessed in accordance with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act. People were supported to have choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

The registered manager had plans for the future development of the service. Staff felt supported by the registered manager.

The Secretary of State has asked the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to conduct a thematic review and to make recommendations about the use of restrictive interventions in settings that provide care for people with or who might have mental health problems, learning disabilities and/or autism. Thematic reviews look in-depth at specific issues concerning quality of care across the health and social care sectors. They expand our understanding of both good and poor practice and of the potential drives of improvement. As part of thematic review, we considered whether the service used any restrictive intervention practices (restraint, seclusion and segregation) when supporting people.