Unity Care Solutions (Lewes)

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.

Staff had been recruited safely. People received support from staff who had been specifically recruited to meet their complex needs. This meant that on occasions it was not always possible to cover staffing if there was sickness or annual leave. This was discussed and agreed with people and their family. People were protected from the risks of harm, abuse or discrimination because staff knew what actions they should take if they identified concerns.

People's needs were holistically assessed in line with standards, guidance and the law. People's preferences were detailed in their care plans for staff to follow. People received support from trained, experienced staff. Staff received training that was specific to people's assessed needs. Training was regularly reviewed to ensure staff retained the appropriate knowledge and skills. Where required people were supported to receive appropriate nutritional support.

People were supported by kind and caring staff. They worked hard to ensure people received the care and support they needed. People received support from the same small team of staff. This enabled staff to get to know people well and understand and respect what was important to each person and their family.

People received care and support that was personalised to their own requirements. Care was planned in a personalised way and the management team carried out regular observations to check that people were receiving this care. Staff knew how people wanted to be communicated with and made information accessible to them. There was a complaints policy and complaints were responded to appropriately.

The culture of the service was positive. The registered manager had good oversight of the service and understood his roles and responsibilities. The quality assurance system helped to ensure the service was regularly monitored and identified areas for improvement and development.

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.