Real Life Options - Teesside and Redcar Outreach and Supported Living

This service provides care and support to people living in three 'supported living' settings, and to one person in their own home, so that they can live 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. Under the regulated activity, the service also provides domiciliary support to one person living in their own home.

Not everyone using Real Life Options – Teesside and Redcar Outreach and Supported Living receives regulated activity. CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with 'personal care;' help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also take into account any wider social care provided. At the time of inspection 29 people were using the service, of which 18 were receiving personal care.

Services for people with learning disabilities and or autism are supported 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 ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.

People lived in their own homes and their tenancies and accommodation was managed by a housing provider. The environment was suitable for people's needs and changes had been made where needed to accommodate people. The design of the building enabled people to have their own space but also allowed people to have social contact with one another. There were deliberately no identifying signs, intercom, cameras, industrial bins or anything else outside to indicate it was a care home. Staff were also discouraged from wearing anything that suggested they were care staff when coming and going with people.

People were supported in all aspects of their care. They had regular access to healthcare. Nutritional needs

and preferences were respected and well managed. Staff received regular supervision and training.

People 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 by staff who knew them well. They were treated with kindness and their dignity was maintained. Staff respected people's wishes and choices. People were actively involved in their care and were supported to be as independent as they wished to be.

People received person-centred care. Records accurately reflected people's needs, and staff demonstrated good knowledge of these. People were supported to live fulfilled lives. People knew how to make a complaint. Where received, these had been dealt with appropriately. The service was equipped to support people at the end of their lives.

Managers at all levels were visible and staff were supported to deliver a good service. A continual system of improvement was in place which people were part of. The service was integrated into the local community.

The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence.

The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.