Wakefield Supported Living

The visit was carried out by an inspector and a senior specialist advisor. We looked at 8 quality statements that focused on the quality of life for people with a learning disability.The findings from this visit have been combined with the results of the previous assessment. The provider’s overall rating remains Good.

This report sets out what we found during our visit to the supported living location. The assessment was planned using information we already held about the service, as well as in response to ongoing anonymous concerns.

We assessed the service against the Right support, right care, right culture guidance to judge whether the provider had ensured people with a learning disability and autistic people were treated with respect, equality and dignity, had choices and independence, and were supported to access their local communities.

People were safe and well supported. Safeguarding systems had been embedded, and staff showed good knowledge and understanding of how to keep people safe. The management team investigated complaints and concerns thoroughly and acted appropriately to make changes where these were needed. Consent regarding people’s care and treatment had been sought. However, further work was needed to make sure records were up to date and decision specific assessments were completed in line with the Mental Capacity Act (MCA).

People were supported by staff who were kind and caring. Staff knew people well and worked to meet their individual needs and preferences. People were given choices about everyday tasks, but the provider’s processes for assessing, recording and monitoring mental capacity needed strengthening. Staff understood people’s rights to make choices, but further support and training were needed to improve staff knowledge of the legal framework around Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). The provider recognised this and had plans in place to make improvements. They had scheduled specific forums to provide staff with further support in this area and to embed learning into practice.

People’s needs had been assessed and were regularly reviewed. People achieved positive outcomes, enabling them to live meaningful lives and access activities they enjoyed. However, records about people’s outcomes needed to be more detailed to fully show the positive progress that had being made.

Managers ensured staff received suitable training and supervision so they could safely and effectively deliver care. There was a positive culture at the service, with a clear management presence and strong governance systems and processes.