Lifeways Community Care (East Midlands)

Lifeways Community Care (Chesterfield) are registered to provide personal care and support to people either living in the community in their own homes or to people who live in shared accommodation under tenancy agreements, self-contained bungalows or apartments within the community. At the time of the inspection the service was supporting 78 people of which 30 were under the regulated activity of personal care.

The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

The provider had not always used their audits effectively to reflect on actions. The changes in staffing had impacted on the required checks not being completed and actions followed through. The staff had not always been supported in a formal way, this meant we could not be sure all aspects of improvement would be recorded or considered.

Staff had not always received training to support their role and this could have an impact on the care people received. Although there were enough staff to support people’s needs the use of agency had created a culture of uncertainty for some people.

People felt safe and protected from the risk of harm or infections. When they received regular staff, they felt this enhanced their care experience. Medicines were managed safely. Risk assessments had been completed and any guidance provided. Lessons had been learnt and shared to reduce ongoing risks. Staff had been recruited safely.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Staff supported people to have daily choices and encouraged their independence.

Peoples health care was promoted, and measures taken to improve their wellbeing. Pre-assessments had been completed to reflect bespoke needs and matching to other people who they would share accommodation with. From initial assessments care plans had been developed which included preferences and information to ensure the person received the correct support at the right time.

People were able to receive information in a variety of formats and their communication was supported by a range of methods. Individuals cultural and spiritual needs were supported. Activities were on offer to people which including using local services and day care settings.

Peoples dignity was respected, and relationship had been developed. Any complaints were addressed, and people had been given some opportunities to express their thoughts on the service.

New initiatives were being developed to encourage more co production on all aspects of the services. This involved partnership working and driving improvements.

The provider had displayed their rating and ensured we received notifications about events which had occurred at the service.

The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence.

The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.

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 ( 22 June 2017)

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.

This inspection took place on 17 May 2017. The service is run from an office in the Chesterfield area. The provider was given 48 hours' notice because the location provides a domiciliary care service and we wanted to make sure the registered manager was available. In addition we also made visits to people’s homes on 25 May 2017.

There was a registered manager at the service. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

The service was following the guidance in people’s risk assessments and care plans and the risk of unsafe care was reduced. People’s records were up to date and indicated that care was being provided as detailed in people’s assessments. The records had been updated to reflect changes in people’s care needs. Medicines were managed safely.

People were safeguarded from abuse because the provider had relevant guidance in place and staff were knowledgeable about the reporting procedure. The provider's arrangements for staff recruitment and deployment helped to make sure there were sufficient staff who were fit to work at the service to provide people’s care.

Staff understood their roles and responsibilities for people's personal care and safety needs and for reporting any related concerns. The provider's arrangements for staff training and their operational procedures supported this.

The principles and requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) were being met. People were supported by staff who knew them well. Staff were aware how to promote people’s safety and independence. People were provided with information to support them to make day-to-day decisions.

People received appropriate support to plan and manage their meals and nutrition. This was done in a way that met their needs and choices. People’s health needs were met. Referrals to external health professionals were made in a timely manner.

People told us staff were caring and kind, and that their privacy and dignity was maintained when personal care was provided. People were supported to be as independent as possible and to live busy interesting lives. They were involved in the planning of their care and support. They were also involved in the appointment of staff.

There was a complaints process in place. The leadership of the service was praised by external professionals. Systems to monitor the quality of the service were effective and identified issues for improvement.