Archived: Life Opportunities Trust - 74 Heather Lane

People were supported to make daily decisions for themselves. Staff supported people using a variety of methods to ensure people could make an informed choice. These included using photographs and pictures as some people responded well to visual aids.

People were supported in promoting their independence and community involvement. We looked at a care plan and risk assessments regarding one person and saw that these provided staff with details about the person's individual needs and how they wanted to be supported.

The provider had policies and procedures for safeguarding people using the service. Staff understood safeguarding procedures and were trained to identify and respond to sign of abuse. A member of staff told us they would report any concerns to the team leader.

The provider had taken steps to provide care in an environment that was suitably designed and adequately maintained. We took a tour of the home and saw good standards of accommodation were provided.

There was a complaints procedure in place and people and/or their representatives were encouraged to give their views about the home. The person we spoke with said they would talk to staff if they were unhappy. One relative also confirmed to us they had no complaints about the home but would feel able to talk with staff if they had any concerns.

We met the three people who live in the home and spoke with one person about the care and support they received. They confirmed they were able to make daily choices and told us staff were "kind". They told us "I go to clubs in the evening and see my friends". One person told us they carried out tasks around the home and staff were teaching them new tasks. This meant the person gained new skills and confidence in their daily life. We saw evidence that meetings were provided for people. This enabled people to make suggestions and comments about the service.

We looked at one person's support plan which recorded relevant information about the person, such as their social and health needs. Pictures had also been used to show the person's likes and dislikes and what was important to them. This information, which was reviewed on a regular basis, meant that staff knew how to support people appropriately. Audits on people's medication and health and safety checks were also carried out to ensure people were supported in their daily lives and they lived in a safe home.