Archived: Shared Lives

Care and treatment was planned and delivered in a way that was intended to ensure people's safety and welfare. One person who used the service told us: 'I can make changes if I want to.'

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 were cared for by staff who were supported to deliver care and treatment safely and to an appropriate standard. One Shared Lives worker told us: 'Support is great. We are often in contact; they are only ever a phone call away.'

People were protected from the risks of unsafe or inappropriate care and treatment because accurate and appropriate records were maintained.

People we spoke with who received a service told us that they were happy with their placements. They confirmed to us they were treated with respect and enjoyed their time with the carers. The relatives we spoke with told us they had confidence that carers had the knowledge and skills to support their relatives. One person told us, 'My relatives' life has changed for the better; they are motivated, happy and regard the carer as a very good friend.'

We found people were given choices about where they lived and allowed time to visit carer's homes. Consideration was given to people's interests and lifestyle when staff from the scheme were exploring potential placements.

Robust procedures and checks were in place to ensure that people were supported by carers who were suited to work with vulnerable adults.

At each annual review of the carers placement people were asked their views about the care they received. This demonstrates there is ongoing monitoring of placements taking place.