Archived: The Positive Lives Team

At both houses we visited people were supported by regular support workers who knew them well and understood their support needs. We saw frequent and friendly interactions between people using the service and their support workers.

People were provided with a choice of suitable and nutritious food and drink. Where people using the service were at risk of malnutrition, systems were in place to monitor the person's intake or reduce the risk of choking.

There were systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. Support workers had disposable gloves and aprons available to use when supporting people with personal care tasks.

There were effective recruitment and selection processes in place. Appropriate checks were undertaken before staff began work.

The provider had an effective system to regularly assess and monitor the quality of service that people receive. The registered manager carried out quality assurance visits every six months, which included outcome areas such as choice, control, communication, relationships, individuality, skills and meaningful activities, physical and emotional wellbeing and participation in their community.

We spoke with three people who received support from the service. During discussion they either told us or indicated that they could make their own decisions about what they did on a day to day basis, with the support of staff where necessary. This included choosing what to eat and getting out and about on public transport to attend social events.

Staff training records showed that support workers had received training in 'Towards a Valued Life' and 'Person Centred Planning and Thinking' to help them understand how to support people in the right way.

People were protected against the risks associated with medicines because the provider had appropriate arrangements in place to manage medicines.

Support workers said that they thought the staff team worked well together. The manager said that every effort was made to ensure that people were supported by staff who knew them. Staff we spoke with said that 'I love working here' and 'it's brilliant.' We saw that there were frequent, positive and humorous interactions between people being supported and support workers. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly.