Dimensions Somerset Bridgwater Domiciliary Care Office

This service provides care and support to 65 people living in 10 different 'supported living' settings, so that they can live in their own home as independently as possible. Many of the people using the service required up to 24-hour support from staff due to their disabilities. 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.

The provider was aware of their responsibilities of developing care and support in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion.

People's experience of using this service:

The majority of people were happy and relatives told us their family member was safe. The management were proactive and responsive to anything we found during the inspection to maintain people's safety. Medicines were managed safely, although the storage of medicines in fridges could be improved. Risks to people had been identified with ways to mitigate them. Systems were in place to manage the levels of people's anxiety to reduce the likelihood of behaviours which could challenge themselves or others. People were protected from the spread of infection.

The provider and management had completed a range of audits to identify concerns and issues at the service. When these had identified issues, action had been taken to resolve them. They had strong values of improving the support people received. Systems were being put in place to involve people and their families to be part of the improvement discussions.

People and staff felt there were enough staff, although some relatives thought there could be more staff to increase community opportunities. Staff had received a range of training considered mandatory by the provider. In addition, staff had received a range of specialist training to meet people's needs. There were occasions specific training had not been identified because of changes in the management of a specific supported living setting. Actions to resolve this were taken during the inspection.

Many people using the service lacked capacity to make specific decisions and there were appropriate systems in place to make them. People were involved in making choices about their day to day care and these were respected by staff. Relatives were actively encouraged to be involved in the decisions when people were unable to make choices for themselves.

People had care plans which were personalised and provided a wealth of information for staff to use to support their needs and wishes. There were some inconsistencies about how frequently people had their care needs reviewed. There were good links with other health and social care professionals.

People were supported by kind and caring staff who knew them incredibly well. Staff respected people's privacy and dignity throughout the inspection. People's individual culture wishes were valued and facilitated by staff. Links had been developed with the community.

More information about the detailed findings can be found below.