Flexible Support Options Ltd, Shiremoor Farm House

On this page

• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

Effective – this means we looked for evidence that people’s care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life, based on best available evidence.At our last inspection we rated this key question good. At this inspection the rating has remained good. This meant people’s outcomes were consistently good, and people’s feedback confirmed this.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

Staff made sure people’s care and treatment was effective by assessing and reviewing their health, care, well-being and communication needs with them.People's needs were holistically assessed over a period of time before they received care from the service. Guidance on how to support people with specific needs was incorporated into ongoing assessment of needs. When needs changed, so did the assessment and the guidance for staff. People and relatives’ comments included, “We have got meetings about [Name] and staff know them better”, “I am included in [Name]’s care plans” and “Communication is very good I attend meetings.”

Staff at the service planned and delivered people’s care and treatment with them, including what was important and mattered to them. They did this in line with legislation and current evidence-based good practice and standards.Relatives, and people told us and records confirmed care was planned and delivered by staff who were well trained and knowledgeable about people's individual care and support needs. A relative commented, “We have just got 3 staff who we think know [Name] well enough to cope with [Name] without us” and “Staff understand [Name].”

Staff worked well across teams and services to support people. They made sure people only needed to tell their story once by sharing their assessment of needs when people moved between different services.A professional commented, “The service is open to taking advice, I have just set up a monthly meeting to discuss a client, I have found them open to taking advice on board from myself and other professionals.”

Staff supported people to manage their health and well-being to maximise their independence, choice and control. The service supported people to live healthier lives and where possible, reduce their future needs for care and support.Records showed people received regular health checks, and included any specialist advice and guidance, that had been obtained where people had additional support needs, such as, from the community nursing services or mental health team. A professional commented, “There is regular contact with the GPs, district nurses and physical health teams in the local area.”

Staff at the service routinely monitored people’s care and treatment to continuously improve it. They ensured that outcomes were positive and consistent, and that they met both clinical expectations and the expectations of people themselves. A relative commented, “When [Name] moved to the company, at [Name]’s request their support has been reduced gradually and it is working well. The company understand [Name]’s needs and they are flexible.” Care plans were personalised to ensure outcomes could be met, which meant people received safe and effective support. A professional commented, “Staff are good at communicating any changes about the clients and following advice and guidance.” There was a system of evaluation of risk assessments and people's care plans. Reviews were carried out regularly to ensure people's support and outcomes were monitored. Relatives’ comments included, “[Name]s’ care plan has changed as they have got better settled” and “We have 6 monthly care reviews.”

Staff told people about their rights around consent and respected these when delivering person-centred care and treatment.Care plans contained evidence that consent to care documents had been obtained from people or their legal representatives. A relative commented, “I have Power of Attorney for [Name] and have free rein to look at [Name]’s paperwork and it is all transparent.” Staff understood their responsibilities and the principles of The Mental Capacity Act 2005.