Harrow

People's experience of using this service:

People told us they were happy with the support they received. They spoke positively about their support workers and the service's manager.

The support provided by staff was person centred and reflected people's individual needs. People's support plans and risk assessments were person centred. They had been reviewed regularly and updated where there were changes in people's needs.

Staff members were knowledgeable about people's needs and preferences and how these should be supported. They understood their roles and responsibilities in ensuring that people were kept safe from harm or abuse.

People were supported to make decisions about their support. People told us that they were involved in developing their support plans.

The service was meeting the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (2005). Information about people's capacity to make decisions had been recorded in their care files. An authorisation under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) for one person had been made by the Court of Protection.

Staff communicated well with people. They supported a person who was unable to communicate verbally in ways which the person understood.

Staff were knowledgeable about people's needs and preferences and how these should be supported. They understood their roles and responsibilities in ensuring that people were kept safe from harm or abuse.

Staff had received training in a range of core skills and this was updated regularly. Newly recruited staff members did not commence work until checks on their suitability had been carried out. Regular supervision from a manager had taken place to support staff to carry out their roles and responsibilities effectively.

Staff supported people to take their prescribed medicines safely. Accurate records of medicines administration had been completed.

People planned and shopped for their food. Staff supported people to cook and prepare meals where required. A person told us that they shopped for and prepared the meals that they preferred.

People had good healthcare support. When people were unwell staff had immediately contacted healthcare professionals. Staff had supported people to attend healthcare appointments. Where guidance had been provided in relation to people's needs this was included in their support plans.

Regular quality assurance monitoring of the service had taken place and any actions arising from this had been addressed promptly.

People had been asked about their views of the service. These surveys showed high levels of satisfaction.