Forever Independent

Not everyone who used the service received personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is to help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided.

There was a process in place to investigate accidents and incidents and to ensure safeguarding concerns were reported to the relevant authorities. The provider had made changes to the way risk to people's health and safety were assessed and recorded. This resulted in more detailed care planning and risk assessments. Robust infection control procedures were in place. This included how to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19.

People's physical, mental health and social needs were assessed and met in line with current legislation and best practice guidelines. This included guidance in place for staff to identify the first signs of a person having a stroke.

Staff were well trained, and they received regular supervision of their practice to ensure they continued to care for people in a safe and effective way. People were supported to lead a healthy and balanced lifestyle with risks to people's dietary needs assessed and acted on. This included guidance for staff to support people who had diabetes. The provider had effective relationships with external health and social care organisations and people's health was regularly monitored. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

Improvements had been made to the overall governance of this service. The improvements required from the previous inspection had been implemented and were showing sustained improvement. The registered manager had a good understanding of the regulatory requirements of their role and had now ensured the relevant authorities were always informed of any incident or death that occurred at their service.

People praised the approach of staff and the registered manager. They felt safe, well cared for and they had

confidence that risks to their health and safety were well managed. Most of the people we spoke with would recommend this service to others.

People and staff felt well supported during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff wellbeing was actively supported and monitored.