Background to this inspection
Updated
25 February 2020
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
This inspection was carried out by one inspector.
Service and service type
This service provides care and support to people living in one ‘supported living’ setting, 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. This service also provides domiciliary personal care to people living in their own houses and flats.
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.
Notice of inspection
This inspection was unannounced on both days.
Inspection activity started on 23 December 2019 and ended on 14 January 2020. We visited the office location on 23 December 2019.
What we did before the inspection
We sought feedback from local partner agencies and professionals who work with the service. We reviewed information the provider is required to send to us by law, such as safeguarding incidents. 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. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with two people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with five members of staff including the registered manager, deputy manager and three care workers.
We reviewed a range of records. This included three people’s care records including risk assessments. We looked at two staff files in relation to recruitment, training and supervisions. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures and audits.
After the inspection
We had a meeting with the provider to discuss further evidence to support the rating. The provider emailed some information to us. We spoke with three health professionals supporting people living at the service.
Updated
25 February 2020
About the service
Pathways Supported Living (IntegraCare) is a supported living service providing personal care to 3 people at the time of the inspection. Pathways Supported Living (IntegraCare) is a house adapted to accommodate people transitioning from residential care to supported living. People are supported to build life skills before being considered for progression to independent living in their own accommodation.
Services for people with learning disabilities and or autism are supported
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 serviced receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that was appropriate and inclusive for them.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
Feedback about the support provided to people was extremely positive. Health professionals described the service people received as the best they had seen. People received high-quality, person-centred support from staff that were committed and motivated to helping people exceed their expected outcomes, goals and aspirations.
People participated fully with the local community. They had access to a variety of activities which enhanced their outlook, motivation and sense of purpose. People told us they could raise any concerns with the manager and be confident they would deal with them professionally. People's wishes at the end of life were explored and planned for in exceptional detail.
Staff demonstrated effective skills in communication and behavioural support strategies. Staffing levels were adjusted on a daily basis to suit the needs and choices of people living at the service. Peoples needs were assessed holistically and modelled on best practice, considering individualised approaches to deliver the best outcomes for people.
Feedback from health professionals about the management team was extremely positive. There was a clear leadership structure, focused on supporting people to develop strategies to rehabilitate and reach their true potential in life. Staff were focused and inspired to achieve the aims of the service, for people to live as independently as they could whilst championing their rights for equal opportunities. The management team considered staff well-being and supported them both personally and professionally. Quality assurance processes demonstrated continual improvement and initiatives to reassess and continuously improve the services for people. People were empowered to have their say and be at the centre of all decisions involving them.
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 cared about the people they were supporting and respected their wishes.
Staff knew how to safeguard people from harm and abuse. Medicines were managed in line with best practice guidelines. Staff received comprehensive training and regular supervisions to support their professional development. Recruitment procedures were robust, and people were involved in this process.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 31/05/2016 and this is the first inspection.
Why we inspected
This was the first planned inspection.
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.