Wyre Domiciliary Service

This service is a domiciliary care agency. It provides a supported living service to people with learning difficulties within their own homes across the areas Fleetwood, Cleveleys, Thornton and Poulton so they can live as independently as possible. 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.

The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

The main office is located at Larkholme Avenue in Fleetwood. At the time of our inspection visit Wyre Domiciliary Service provided support to 34 people.

At our last inspection in November 2015 the service was rated as good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

We found quality audits were carried out to identify if improvements were required and people were asked their views on the service provided. We asked the registered manager how often they carried out their checks. They said there was no specific timescale in place at present and they were in the process of addressing this. We have made a recommendation about the scheduling and recording of audits.

We found processes were in place to ensure people's rights were protected and referrals to social workers were carried out to ensure appropriate applications were made to deprive people of their liberty.

We found records contained person centred information to support staff to deliver care and staff knew the help and care people needed to live fulfilling lives. Staff spoke fondly of the people they supported and said they wanted to enable people to live independently in their own homes. We were told, "I'm proud to work with the guys. You can't help but build relationships with the people here. I like them and what I do."

We found medicines were managed safely and people told us they were happy with the way their medicines were managed.

If accidents or incidents occurred checks and investigations were carried out to identify where improvements were required. Staff told us they were informed of the outcomes of these.

People told us they felt respected and valued and they considered staff to be patient and caring. One person told us, "I like the staff. They're my friends."

Relatives told us they were consulted and involved in their family members care. People we spoke with confirmed they were involved in their care planning if they wished to be.

Staff we spoke with were able to describe the help and support people required to maintain their safety and people who received support told us they felt safe. Staff were trained to ensure their knowledge was in line with best practice.

People told us they were supported to access healthcare professionals if this was needed. Relatives we spoke with also confirmed staff supported their family members to gain medical advice if this was required. One relative told us, "I'm delighted with the care."

People told us they could raise their views on the service provided and there was a complaints procedure for people and relatives to use if they wished. At the time of the inspection no complaints had been made about the service.

Staff supported people to have a nutritious dietary and fluid intake. Assistance was provided in preparation of food and drinks as they needed. Staff told us they would report any concerns regarding nutrition and hydration so action could be taken.

Staff told us that they had received training in the risk and control of infection. We saw personal protective equipment was available for use if this was needed. This minimised the risk and spread of infection.

Staff told us they were committed to protecting people from abuse and would raise any concerns with the registered manager or the Lancashire Safeguarding Authorities so people were protected. One staff member commented, "Safeguarding goes to my manager but I would report to safe guarding if I needed. I'm protected by whistle blowing."

Recruitment checks were carried out to ensure suitable people were employed to work at the service and staff told us they were supported to attend training to maintain and increase their skills.

There were sufficient staff to support people. People and relatives, we spoke with told us they were happy with the staffing arrangements. Staff we spoke with raised no concerns with the staffing provision.

Staff told us that at the current time, they were not supporting anyone with End of Life care needs. They told us and we saw that training was available and could be accessed as required. Staff told us they were confident they would be able to meet people's needs.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found