Chesham Supported Living

There was one building where the service provided 'supported living', which was divided into two houses. People using the service lived in either one of the 14 self-contained flats or the seven bedsits. People who lived in the bedsits had staff always available to support their complex needs. People who lived in the flats were more independent and had care workers to support them only when required. Both houses had communal facilities available, and each person had their own bedroom.

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.

Staff received a large amount of training to equip them with the knowledge and skills to provide the right support. People's needs, and preferences were recorded, and staff ensured that people's support was tailored to their individual needs. Staff worked with other agencies and healthcare professionals to ensure people led a healthy lifestyle.

People received care from dedicated and kind staff. We observed that people enjoyed time with the care workers, and that the registered manager was patient and caring when people dropped in to her office throughout the day. Relatives explained an inclusive culture, where people were included in the support planning and any changes.

People's care was personalised. They led active social lives and were encouraged to build relationships with others in the local community. Staff provided support to people when they needed it, and this fostered their independence. We made a recommendation about end of life care planning.

The service was well-led. The registered manager and deputy manager were well respected by people,

relatives and staff. Care workers told us the managers were supportive, visible within the day-to-day support setting and ensured people received high quality care. Checks were regularly conducted to ensure a safe, effective and well-led service.

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.

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.