Archived: Turning Point - Bedford Supported Living Service

At the time of this inspection, there were 16 people using the service who had a range of needs including learning disabilities, autistic spectrum disorders, physical disabilities, mental health and sensory impairments.

A registered manager was in post. 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.

At the last inspection in July 2015, the service was rated Good. During this inspection, which took place on 05 and 10 October 2017, we found the service remained Good.

People were protected from abuse and avoidable harm. Staff had been trained to recognise signs of potential abuse and were confident about reporting any concerns they might have, and risks associated with people’s care were managed positively.

There were sufficient numbers of staff to keep people safe and meet their needs. Staff had been trained to ensure they had the right skills and knowledge to carry out their roles and responsibilities. The provider carried out checks for new staff, to make sure they were suitable to work at the service.

Systems were in place to ensure people received their medicines in a safe way and when they needed them.

The service acted in line with legislation and guidance regarding seeking people’s consent and assessing their capacity to make decisions about the care they received.

People were supported to eat and drink enough, and to maintain a balanced diet. Staff were clear about the importance of monitoring people’s health needs and seeking additional support and advice as required.

Staff had developed positive caring relationships with people using the service. They provided care and support in a personalised and meaningful way. It was clear that people’s involvement was at the heart of the service and staff placed a real emphasis on their inclusion and individual achievements. They treated people with kindness and compassion, and respected their privacy and dignity at all times.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them to be as independent as possible, in all areas of their lives. They were given opportunities to express their views on the service they received, and to be actively involved in making decisions about their care and support.

A complaints procedure had been developed, to let people know how to raise concerns about the service. People knew how to raise concerns if they needed to do so.

The registered manager provided effective leadership at the service, and promoted a positive culture that was open and transparent. There was a strong emphasis on continually trying to improve the service, and systems were in place to monitor the quality of the service provided, and to drive continuous improvement.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

We found that people were offered support at a level which encouraged independence and ensured that specific, individual needs were met. People told us that the staff were always friendly and respectful of their needs. A relative said, "We are very happy with the care our relative gets." People and their representatives said that they always felt able to approach staff if they had issues or concerns, and were confident that any matter would be resolved in a timely manner.

We found the provider engaged with other professionals in order that people received the correct level of care and treatment from them.

We saw that on-going training, supervision and appraisals ensured that staff acquired the relevant skills and knowledge necessary to meet people's needs safely.

We reviewed information which confirmed the provider monitored the quality of the service that was provided to people and listened to any feedback that was given. We saw evidence to show that feedback was used to drive future improvement.

We found the service ensured that people received safe and appropriate care. Staff were knowledgeable on how people wished to be supported. There was a system in place to ensure people were protected against the risk of abuse. People were looked after by staff who were appropriately recruited. The service had a system in place to regularly assess and monitor the quality of the care people received. The complaints procedure was available in an appropriate format to meet people's needs.