Yourlife (Chelmsford)

Extra care housing is purpose-built or adapted single households in a shared site or building. People's care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for extra care housing; this inspection only looked at people's personal care service. At the time of the inspection four people were being supported with personal care.

Not everyone who used the service received personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided.

The registered manager carried out a detailed assessment of need. People were supported to eat and drink in line with their assessed needs. People were supported to access health appointments if this was required.

People described the staff as caring. Staff understood how to support people in a way that maintains their independence and control. People's cultural preferences were explored, and people could choose the gender of the carer supporting them.

People had been involved in drawing up their care plans, and people's preferences relating to end of life care were explored if the person wanted to consider this aspect. Adjustments were made to ensure that information was made accessible to everyone.

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 knew how to complain and were confident that if they did complain their complaint would be resolved to their satisfaction.

The registered manager was experienced, and both staff and people spoke highly of them. The registered manager understood their role in maintaining safety and quality, and kept up to date with the latest guidance and best practice.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk