Supported Steps Head Office

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. At the time of our inspection, the service supported eight people with personal care.

People were fully involved in the assessment process prior to their care package commencing. This enabled them to discuss what support they wanted and ensure the service could meet their needs. Staff received enough training and support to carry out their roles safely and effectively. 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 and relatives confirmed they received good care from staff who respected their privacy and dignity. Staff were mindful of the importance of offering choice and promoting independence. People's views were sought through reviews and surveys, to ensure the service was meeting their needs.

Care files contained detailed information about each person and how they wished to be supported. People and relatives were actively involved in discussions around care planning and spoke positively about communication in general. The complaints process was provided to people at the commencement of their care package. Each person or relative we spoke with knew how to raise concerns but had not needed to.

People, relatives and staff spoke positively about the management of the service and support provided. Management were reported to be both accessible and approachable. A range of systems and processes were used to monitor the quality and effectiveness of the service, with an improvement plan used to ensure any identified issues were addressed.

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