11 December 2014
During a routine inspection
The inspection took place on 11 December 2014, it was announced. This was the first inspection of this location which was registered on 3 November 2013.
The service mainly provides support to people who have mental health needs living in their own homes. At the time of the inspection 34 people were using the service. One person was supported 24 hours a day.
It is a requirement that the service has a registered manager. There was a registered manager in post who was registered with us in November 2013. 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 using the service liked the staff that supported them and they felt safe when staff were with them. Staff knew people well and understood how they preferred to be supported. Staff respected people’s differences and they ensured their dignity and privacy were respected.
People were offered the planned support at the times and days agreed. People had small teams of staff who they had chosen to support them. On the rare occasion when a preferred member of staff was not available an alternative had been offered. People were involved in planning and reviewing their support arrangements. When people chose not to take part in review meetings senior staff held informal discussions with them to check they were satisfied with the service. People’s relatives felt that the service was caring and the leadership of the service was effective and responsive.
When the agreed service included support with meal planning and food preparation people said staff encouraged them to have a balanced diet. This was the same with support for people’s healthcare. This was discussed when the service was set up. People told us what was agreed was provided. We were told about several examples of staff supporting people during health emergencies in a compassionate and flexible way.
Staff knew how to support people and help maintain their safety. They understood their responsibility to protect people from harm and abuse and they felt able to report any concerns appropriately. People’s safety and risks were considered when their support was planned and their medicines looked after. The backgrounds of new staff were checked before they were employed. Staff were given suitable training and were observed carrying out their work to help maintain the expected standards. Staff felt well supported and part of an effective team that worked together to meet people’s needs.
The service was well led and had a clear vision of enabling people to recover from mental health conditions and lead independent lives. Staff understood this and worked to develop people’s self-confidence and living skills. Systems were in place to monitor the service and people’s views were sought and listened to. The provider acted in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act (2005) (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS). Staff had been trained in this area.