Community Life Choices

We have made a recommendation about the recording and guidance for medicine administration.

People's needs had been assessed and people received the level of support they required. However, we noted that some specific risks, for example the use of additional equipment such as wheelchairs were not always recorded.

We have made a recommendation about ensuring records for assessing risks are completed for all equipment that might be used by staff.

There were enough staff available to support people. However, people we spoke with told us they had differing experiences in the different counties with the consistency of their visit times. Systems were in place to protect people from abuse and harm. Lessons were learned from any incidents to maintain and improve the safety of the service. We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the safe key question. We were assured the infection prevention and control practises were satisfactory.

Staff were trained and their competencies had been checked to ensure they could provide appropriate care. The staff supported people as they needed when preparing their meals and drinks. The staff identified if people required medical assistance and supported them to access appropriate healthcare services. People made decisions about their care and their rights were protected. 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 told us the staff treated them with respect and were kind and caring towards them. People were regularly asked for their views about their care and service they received. People's care plans were written in a person-centred way that took account of their preferences. The registered provider had an effective procedure for receiving and managing complaints about the service. People had received the support they

needed at the end of their lives and families were very complimentary about the support that had been given.

There were systems in place to assess the quality and safety of the service. People were asked for their views about the support they received. The registered manager and staff team worked closely with other agencies and healthcare professionals to make sure people received good care. The provider and registered manager understood their responsibilities under the duty of candour. Staff told us they felt supported by the management team.