Archived: Connect Therapeutic Community

We found that people were consulted about all aspects of their care and treatment. People confirmed that there were daily opportunities to express their views and to be involved in making changes to their short-term goals.

We found that there were good outcomes for people who used the service. People told us that, as they needed to be fully committed to their treatment and recovery, they found the process challenging at times. One person said, 'It can be really hard work, but it's worth it and we do have fun as well.' Another person said, 'If there is a problem there is a solution'it's not a 'one size fits all' approach, you are respected and everybody believes you can do it and you will get well.'

There were good arrangements for the storage, administration and recording of medicines.

There were suitable arrangements for making sure that people received adequate nutrition and hydration. People were encouraged and supported to eat a diet which was prepared safely and well balanced in terms of nutrition.

There were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff to meet people's needs. People who used the service told us that the staff were very supportive. Staff demonstrated a good level of knowledge of the needs of the people using the service.

At the time of our visit there were three people living in this community. We met two of these people and four members of staff.

People's views and experiences were taken into account in the way the service was provided and delivered in relation to their care. People told us they were fully involved in making decisions about their care and treatment as well as the day to day arrangements of living, such as menus and activities.

People experienced care, treatment and support that met their needs and protected their rights.

People who use the service were protected from the risk of abuse, because the provider had taken reasonable steps to identify the possibility of abuse and prevent abuse from happening. People told us they felt very safe in this community.

People were cared for by staff who were supported to deliver care and treatment safely and to an appropriate standard. Staff demonstrated that they were aware of the needs of the people living there and the way the community operated.

The provider had an effective system to regularly assess and monitor the quality of service that people receive. This included asking people for their opinions about the service they received and monitoring of standards by representatives from another community.