Agincare Enable Supported Living (Medway)

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 had access to shared areas and private areas and could lock their bedroom doors to maintain their privacy and security. Two people lived in self-contained accommodation within the grounds of the main supported living service. The garden was accessible and although a gardener helped out, people were able to get involved in gardening if they wished.

There were enough staff to make sure people received the support they were assessed as needing, including going out to their chosen activities. Some people needed to have more supervision than others. Risks were carefully and positively managed while promoting independence. Staff understood their responsibilities in safeguarding people from abuse and helping people to understand how to stay safe.

Staff received the training, support and supervision they needed to carry out their role and continue their personal development. Staff supported people to maintain and improve their health by encouraging a healthy diet and to access healthcare when needed.

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's care and support was individual, planned and provided in a way that put them at the centre of planning. Staff knew people well, their likes, dislikes and what and who was important to them. The individual way people communicated was key to the support provided, including verbally, or by their behaviour or body language.

There was an open culture, led by an operational manager and two local managers, who were described by staff as being approachable and supportive. People knew the managers and were relaxed in their company. The provider had a good oversight of the service, using their monitoring processes to make sure people received a good quality and safe service.