Allerton C&S SW

A supported living service is one where people live in their own home and receive care and support to enable people to live in their own home 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.

Not everyone who used the service received personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also consider any wider social care provided. At the time of the inspection 16 people were receiving personal care. We visited three houses, but people were only receiving personal care at two of these premises.

Based on our review of the safe, effective and well led key questions, the service was able to demonstrate how they were meeting the underpinning principles of right support, right care, right culture. Right Support • People had not always had a consistent team of staff working with them recently because of staff turnover. This was now improving, and permanent staff were being recruited. • Staff supported people with their medicines safely and to achieve the best health outcomes. Sometimes staff needed to make sure people's creams were used and recorded consistently. • Staff focused on people's strengths and promoted what they could do, so people had a fulfilling and meaningful everyday life. • People were protected from infection or illness, such as covid 19, by the guidance and safe practice of staff. • Staff supported people to play an active role in maintaining their own health and wellbeing. Staff enabled

people to access specialist health and social care support in the community. • Staff supported people to have the maximum possible choice and control and make their own decisions where possible. Policies and records supported this practice.

Right care • People received kind and compassionate care. Staff protected and respected people's privacy and dignity. They understood and responded to their individual needs. • Staff understood how to protect people from poor care and abuse. Staff had training on how to recognise and report abuse and they knew how to apply it. • People could communicate with staff and understand information given to them because staff supported them consistently and understood their individual communication needs. Staff had the skills to understand people who had individual ways of communicating. • When possible, staff and people worked together when considering the risks people might face. Some risk assessments needed review to ensure they were detailed enough or up to date.

Right culture • People led inclusive and empowered lives because of the ethos, attitudes and skills of the management and staff. Staff received additional training to safely support people with specific or complex needs. • Managers ensured staff were competent and held the appropriate values to work for Allerton C&S SW. Actions were taken to address concerns and improve standards where necessary. • Staff knew and understood people well and were responsive, supporting their aspirations to live a quality life of their choosing. • Staff turnover had been high, but people now had consistent teams and key staff who knew them well. • Staff evaluated the quality of support provided to people, involving the person, their families and other professionals as appropriate. Some written reviews and assessments needed updating.