We carried out a review of the data available to us about Pathways to Independance on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Pathways to Independance, you can give feedback on this service.
Pathway to Independance provides a concierge service for a block of six self-contained flats. They run a drop-in facility in the adjacent building to their office for people to come and meet up with friends, take part in activities and relax. They, also, provide a play area for children which has sensory lights, equipment, games, toys and a range of activities. To use any of these facilities people must be referred to them by social workers and healthcare professionals.
People’s experience of using this service: People and relatives stated that overall, they were very happy with the support they received. One person commented, "They are brilliant. Other companies have been atrocious but we can’t fault this one, as the staff are great and very good at their job." Staff worked very closely and sensitively with people and supported them to experience a wider range of activities as well as improve their daily living skills. People said all the staff were friendly and made them feel at ease.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. The provider had recently reviewed the documents they kept in relation to working with people who lacked capacity to make decisions and found these needed to be improved. New templates had been introduced, which met the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA).
Staffing levels met people’s needs. Staff were well trained and knowledgeable about their roles and the care people needed. Staff received a wide range of training including how to work with children and young people and people living with a learning disability.
The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.
Systems and processes were in place to closely monitor the service to make sure it was safe and run well. The service was well run. Staff and people's views were gathered and used to inform developments at the service. The registered manager made sure that the staff were delivering a good service. The registered manager and staff had robust risk assessments and acted appropriately to mitigate any identified risks. Medicines were managed in an appropriate manner.
Staff effectively reported any safeguarding matters. The registered manager thoroughly investigated any concerns and resolved these matters. All incidents were critically analysed, lessons were learnt and embedded into practice.
For more details, please see the full report which is on CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection: Good (report published 21 October 2016).
Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection.
Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received, we may inspect sooner.
Pathways to Independence is a domiciliary care service that provides personal care to people in their own homes. This includes care and support for people with learning disabilities and autistic spectrum disorder. At the time of the inspection the service provided personal care services to four people. One of which received 24 hour support.
There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
People said they were happy with the support they received and felt safe. Staff showed a good understanding of safeguarding adults and were confident in how to keep people safe.
Medicines were managed safely, effectively and in a way which reflected people’s individual needs. All records were up to date and fully completed, with medicine audits being carried out regularly.
Staffing levels were consistent with people’s needs. Staff were recruited in a safe and consistent manner with all appropriate checks carried out.
Accidents and incidents were recorded with details of any action taken to deal with the issue.
Staff had up to date training in mandatory areas and either had completed, or were in the process of completing the care certificate. Staff felt supported in their roles and received regular supervisions as well as annual appraisals.
The service provided personalised support to each individual. People had personalised care plans in place that included information around their preferences. Staff demonstrated a good knowledge of each person and knew how to support them in a way that met their specific needs.
People had access to a range of health and social care professionals when required, including GP’s, consultant psychiatrists, psychologists, the challenging behaviour team and social workers.
People and relatives knew how to raise concerns if they were unhappy and were confident their complaints would be investigated and actioned.
The registered provider had quality assurance arrangements in place to regularly assess the quality and safety of the service provided. They were effective in identifying issues and required improvements.