The Care Quality Commission
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Archived: SENSE - Community Services (West Midlands)

Summit Point, Summit Crescent Industrial Estate, Roebuck Lane, Smethwick, West Midlands, B66 1BT (0121) 525 9545

Provided and run by:
Sense

All Inspections

4 December 2013

During a routine inspection

We met with three people who used the service. The registered manager had asked people if they wanted to meet us and made suitable arrangements for us to visit them at their preferred place, which was at their home or their work placement. Two people were able to tell us their views of the service provided. The other person was not able to tell us their views due to their communication needs but we met with them and observed how staff interacted with the person. We spoke with two members of staff who supported people. We visited the office and met with the registered manager and the supported living service manager. Due to a restructure within the organisation we were told that the supported living service manager was to become the registered manager. We looked at records in the office.

Staff had the information they needed to know how to support people to meet their individual needs. One person told us, 'I am much happier since I have been in supported living, my life is less restricted.' We saw that people's healthcare needs had been monitored and met.

Systems were in place to ensure that people were safeguarded from harm. We saw good interactions between people and staff. We observed that people were at ease in the company of staff. One person said, 'I feel safe in my flat and have everything I need.'

Sufficient staff were employed who had the skills and knowledge to know how to safely support people to meet their needs.

People were asked for their views about the service and these were listened to. We saw that audits were completed and action was taken to make improvements where needed.

We saw that records were accurate and kept safely so that people were protected from the risks of unsafe or inappropriate care.

24 September 2012

During a routine inspection

There were three people using the service on the day of our inspection. We visited two people, spoke to one person on the phone and spoke with the manager and three staff to find out their views about the service provided. Some people were unable to express their views verbally, so we spent time observing how staff supported them.

We saw that people were involved in decisions about their lives. One person said, 'I decide what staff do each day and where I go.'

Staff supported people to meet their health needs to ensure their well being.

People were supported to eat a healthy and nutritious diet to help meet their health needs.

Arrangements were in place to ensure that people were safeguarded from harm.

People's medication was stored safely and they had it as prescribed to ensure their health and well being.

People lived in safe, comfortable homes that were decorated and furnished to their tastes.

Appropriate checks were made on staff before they started working with people to ensure they were suitable and people were safe. One person said, 'I like the staff and I choose and interview the staff that work with me.'

Staff were supported and received the training they to know how to support the people using the service.

Risks to people's health, safety and welfare were identified and assessed, so risks were minimised, ensuring people's safety and well being. Improvements were made as a result of listening to the views of people and their relatives.