Within Reach

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.

We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability the choices, dignity, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. Right Support, right care, right culture is the statutory guidance which supports CQC to make assessments and judgements about services providing support to people with a learning disability and/or autistic people.

This service was able to demonstrate how they were meeting the underpinning principles of Right support, right care, right culture. We found that people received care which was focused on their support needs and in their best interest with the aim to achieve their personal goals and levels of independence. Staff supported people in a kind and friendly manner and ensured people's human rights and dignity was always protected. The values and culture of service was open, inclusive and empowered people to make choices about their lives and explore new opportunities.

People had been encouraged to try out new activities at their own pace and supported to become more independent in carrying out daily household tasks. Pictorial and photographic information showed people's interests, food choices and their achievements.

People had been comprehensively assessed to ensure the service could meet their needs. Information about how staff should support people and their likes and dislikes were in place. Risk management plans and how staff should respond to changes in people's needs had been identified and recorded.

People received their medicines as prescribed. Alternative strategies to support people were used before the administration of 'as required' medicines.

Suitable numbers of well recruited and trained staff were available to support people. Person specific training had assisted staff in understanding people's support requirements and their personal goals. People

were encouraged to have control and choice about their day. Photographic information helped them understand their activity schedule.

People were supported to eat a healthy balanced diet and access relevant health care services. We observed staff treating people with kindness and in a dignified and respectful manner.

Effective quality assurance systems were in place to manage and monitor the quality of care being delivered. The managers and seniors led by example and provided staff with support and guidance. Staff and people's relatives praised the effectiveness of the management team.

The provider valued feedback from staff, people, relatives and other stakeholders. They were open to learn and reflect on their practices to improve the service people received.