We carried out a review of the data available to us about Herefordshire Shared Lives 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 Herefordshire Shared Lives, you can give feedback on this service.
Herefordshire Shared Lives is a shared lives scheme which provides people with long-term placements, short breaks and respite care, within shared lives carers (SLC) own homes. At the time of the inspection there were 37 people living with shared lives carers and receiving a registered service.
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.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People were cared for by shared lives carers who knew how to keep them safe and protect them from avoidable harm. Peoples risks were assessed, and their plans were being updated to mitigate risks. Safe systems were in place for the management of medicines when people needed support with this. Shared lives carers understood and followed infection control and prevention procedures. Incidents and accidents were investigated, and actions were taken to prevent recurrence.
People's needs were assessed, and care was planned and delivered to meet legislation and good practice guidance. Care was delivered by shared lives carers who were knowledgeable about people's needs and wishes. Their training was in the process of being updated to ensure people continued to benefit from their up to date skills. 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.
There was innovative use of technology to improve people’s safety and people’s health and well-being outcomes. People were supported to remain safe and were assured by the support of caring assistance from shared lives carers and the management team. People felt involved and supported in decision making. People's privacy was respected, and their dignity maintained.
People were positive about the service and the care provided. The management team were updating people care records to ensure the information provided was up to date for the individual. Suggestions and ideas were acted upon from people, families and shared lives carers. People’s support was flexible to meet their needs. People's concerns were listened to and action was taken to improve the service as a result. When people needed support at the end of their life there was assistance and systems in place to provide quality care.
The management team were open, approachable and focussed on providing person centred care. They had identified where the service needed to improve and develop and were taking steps to undertake this. People were supported by shared lives carers who were valued and listened to and consistently ensured people received quality care. The management team were updating the checks they completed to monitor and improve the quality of the service provided. The management team and shared lives carers engaged well with other organisations and had developed positive relationships. They worked on promoting strong community links to ensure people could access the support they needed.
The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 10/10/2018 and this is the first inspection.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.