Axis Care Group Ltd

At the time of the inspection, the supported living service was supporting 2 people with their personal care needs. They had a location/office which was based in Leigh in Wigan but the people they were supporting were based in Manchester.

We have assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.

Breaches of legal regulation were identified in relation to the provider’s governance, involving people to manage risks, staff recruitment processes and medicines management.

Incidents were not always recorded which meant lessons were not always learned. Safeguarding concerns were not always shared quickly or appropriately. People’s care plans and risk assessments were not always reflective of the person’s needs. The provider did not have robust oversight of people’s homes. Staff did not have some training which was essential in them completing their roles safely. Recruitment records were not consistently complete. However, the provider assessed and managed the risk of infection and ensured smooth transitions into the service.

Initial assessments did not always fully inform people’s care plans and risk assessments. The provider did not always plan and deliver people’s care and treatment with them. People did not have health action plans in place. People’s rights were not always fully respected, in line with the mental capacity act. However, staff did monitor people’s progress and worked well together and with professionals involved with people’s care.

The provider treated people with kindness, empathy and compassion. People were treated with dignity and respect. Staff responded to people’s immediate needs and acted to minimise discomfort. The provider cared about the wellbeing of their staff, which staff reiterated. However, the provider needed to further promote people being independent.

The provider did not always ensure care was person centred. They did not always consider the importance of adapting materials to ensure information was accessible for all. The provider needed to improve forums for people/relatives to give feedback. There were some disparities in people’s experiences using the service. Goals and aspirations needed to be clearer for those being supported. However, the provider did understand the care needs of people and their local communities.

The vision and strategy were not always being achieved by staff. Leaders needed better oversight of the service including more robust governance and quality assurance systems. However, the provider did work in partnership with the local authority, they respected their workforce and there was a good culture within the service.

We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.