Background to this inspection
Updated
24 September 2021
The inspection
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
Inspection team
The inspection was carried out by one inspector.
Service and service type
This service provides care and support to people living in nine 'supported living' settings, so that they can live as independently as possible. People's care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for supported living; this inspection looked at people's personal care and support.
The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.
This inspection was announced. We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection. This was because the service is small and people are often out and we wanted to be sure there would be people at home to speak with us.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.
During the inspection
We spoke with six people who used the service and two relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with nine members of staff including the registered manager, assistant manager, senior support staff and support staff. We reviewed a range of records. This included four people’s care records, medication records and risk assessments. We looked at four staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
After the inspection
We spoke further with four relatives of people who used the service and three support staff. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic we limited the time we spent on site. Therefore, we requested records and documentation to be sent to us and reviewed these off site and continued dialogue with the registered manager by email.
Updated
24 September 2021
About the service
Vivo Care Choices Specialist Autism Service is a supported living service providing personal care to 21 people at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 22 autistic people and people with a learning disability
People supported live in shared housing which are situated close to each other. These consist of nine dwellings; six of which are bungalows. A further address is located within a short distance of other dwellings.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
Quality assurance systems were in place. Safeguarding investigations held earlier this year had identified actions to aid quality assurance. These were included on an action plan and was in progress. We have raised a recommendation about completing this plan to enhance quality of support for people. People and their relatives considered the service to be well-led and felt that all staff sought to extend opportunities for people in their daily lives. People felt involved and engaged in the support they received.
People and their relations felt they were safe when being supported. We have raised a recommendation about the whistle-blowing procedure. Staffing levels were maintained. Risk assessments reflected risks faced by people during their support and from their environment. Medication administration had been reinforced and peoples’ well-being was promoted.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff did always support them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability the choices, dignity, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. Right Support, right care, right culture is the statutory guidance which supports CQC to make assessments and judgements about services providing support to people with a learning disability and/or autistic people.
This service was able to demonstrate how they were meeting the underpinning principles of Right support, right care, right culture.
The service had developed and responded to the need to support people within the Cheshire West area who sought to be more independent with their lives as tenants but receiving appropriate staff support each day. People lived in accommodation located in a cul-de-sac as well as support provided to people at an address in the neighbourhood. Staff support is very person-centred and matches people’s individual needs and preferences. As an example, one person lives in their own accommodation and receives minimal support in line with their wishes but is able to live safely and independently. Staff perceptions of the location is of being neighbours as opposed to being one larger accommodation. The presence of the main office on site does not impact on people’s accommodation and is seen as a focus for support for people and staff alike.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was Good (published 4 September 2019).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Vivo Care Choices Specialist Autism Service on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.