We carried out a review of the data available to us about Your Life (Potters Bar) on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Your Life (Potters Bar), you can give feedback on this service.
Your Life (Potters Bar) operates a supported living scheme in a modern and purpose-built private development in Potters Bar (Mandeville Court). The property consists of 53 flats privately owned and occupied by older people who also share some communal areas and facilities including dining rooms, lounges and gardens.
Not everyone using Your life (Potters Bar) receives the regulated activity; CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with ‘personal care’; help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also take into account any wider social care provided. At the time of our inspection four people who lived at Mandeville Court received the regulated activity of ‘Personal care’.
People’s experience of using this service:
People felt safe receiving care from Your Life (Potters Bar). Risks to people`s health, safety and well-being were assessed and measures put in place to remove or reduce the risks. There were enough skilled and safely recruited staff available to meet people’s needs. People's medicines were managed safely. Staff had received training in infection control practices and personal protective equipment was provided for them. The registered manager took appropriate actions following incidents and learning was shared with staff. Risk assessments and care plans were updated after accidents and incidents to ensure that the measures in put place were effective.
Staff assessed and documented people's care needs and preferences, people’s support was based on this. People and relatives said staff were trained to do their jobs well. Staff received regular training updates and felt supported in their roles. People using the service did not need support to eat and drink. Staff and the management team worked well with external professionals including district nurses, GPs, mental health team and other care agencies. People said staff always asked for consent when supporting them. Staff received training in the Mental Capacity Act and had a good understanding of how to put this into practice.
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 communicated with people in a kind and respectful manner. People and their relatives were positive about the care provided. People were consulted about changes to their care and regular reviews were undertaken of people’s support needs involving people, their relatives and other professionals as needed. People told us their privacy and dignity were respected and that staff supported their independence. Staff understood people’s needs and care plans were written in a way that promoted people’s dignity and independence.
People received care that was tailored to their individual needs, likes, dislikes and preferences. The service was not responsible for providing opportunities for activity and stimulation. However, the homeowner’s residents’ association and social committee ensured there was a good mix of social activity for people to enjoy. The provider had ensured that all documents could be made available in larger print and there was an option to get any documents produced in braille if needed.
The provider had a complaints and compliments policy. The registered manager told us they had not received any formal complaints. People and their relatives told us they would be confident to raise anything of concern with the management team. People had been encouraged to identify their preferences and put plans in place for when their health deteriorated. People were supported to stay in their own home if they chose to do so when they approached end of life and extra support was put in place to facilitate this if needed.
The registered manager and staff knew people and their families well. This enabled positive relationships to develop and good outcomes for people. The registered manager led by example. People, their relatives and the staff team praised the registered manager for leading the service well and demonstrating a clear ethos of caring and respect. The provider had developed systems to monitor and evaluate care provided to people. Effective systems were in place to learn from accidents, incidents and complaints. Where any shortfalls were identified, these were acted upon in a timely manner to promote people’s safety and wellbeing.
Rating at last inspection:
The last rating for this service was good (published 20 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.
Your Life (Potters Bar) operates a supported living scheme in a modern and purpose built private development in Potters Bar. The property consists of 53 flats privately owned and occupied by older people who also share some communal areas and facilities including dining rooms, lounges and gardens. At the time of our inspection six people who lived at Mandeville Court received the regulated activity personal care.
There was a manager in post who had registered with the CQC. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 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.
This was the first inspection of this service since initial registration with CQC on 31 July 2015.
People told us they felt safe and well supported by the staff who provided their care. Staff understood how to keep people safe and risks to people's safety and well-being were identified and managed. Robust recruitment practices were followed to help ensure that staff were suitable for the role performed. There were sufficient numbers of staff available to meet people’s agreed care and support needs at the time they preferred. Staff were trained to help and support people take medicines safely where appropriate.
People were positive about the skills, experience and abilities of the staff team who provided their care and support. Staff received training relevant to their roles and were routinely supervised by their line management. People were supported to maintain good health in a way that took account of their needs and personal circumstances.
Staff had developed positive and caring relationships with the people they supported and clearly knew them very well. People were provided with care and support in accordance with their individual preferences and with their consent. People were actively involved in the planning, delivery and reviews of the care and support they received. Personal and private information held about people’s medical and personal histories was securely maintained.
People’s support was provided in a way that promoted their dignity and respected their privacy. People had the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities if they chose to do so. People knew how to make a complaint but told us they had rarely had cause to do so.
People who used the service and the staff team were complimentary about the registered manager and how the service was operated. Effective arrangements were in place to monitor risks and the quality of services provided.