Independent Lifestyle

Independent Lifestyle is a supported living scheme providing personal care support to people with learning disabilities and complex needs. This service provides care and support to people living in three 'supported living' settings, so that they can live in their own home as independently as possible. At the time of this inspection the service provided care for a total of 19 people. People's care and housing were provided under separate contractual agreements. The Care Quality Commission does not regulate premises used for supported living; this inspection looked at people's personal care and support.

The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensured that people who used the service could live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflected the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that included control, choice, and independence. People using the service received planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that was appropriate and inclusive for them.

People who used the service were protected from the risk of harm and abuse. There were effective systems and processes in place to minimise risks to people. A safeguarding policy was in place and there were systems to ensure proper and safe use of medicines. Care plans included risk assessments covering a range of areas and there were measures to reduce the risk. Care workers had been recruited safely. Appropriate checks had been carried out.

People's needs had been assessed before they started to use the service. They were supported to have their assessed needs met by care workers with the right skills and knowledge. They 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. People were supported to access healthcare services they needed. There was evidence of recent appointments with healthcare professionals.