19 September 2017
During a routine inspection
People either lived on their own, or with one other person, in houses in Bideford and the surrounding areas. People had tenancy agreements with Little White Town Limited. The same provider owned both Your Choice and Little White Town, but they were run and managed as separate organisations.
The inspection team took place on 19 and 20 September 2017 and was announced. The inspection team consisted of one adult social care inspector on both days. This was the first inspection since the service was registered in July 2016.
The service had a registered manager. 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.
People were supported by sufficient staff to meet their needs. Staff had the required recruitment checks in place, were trained and had the skills and knowledge to meet their needs. Staff had received an induction and were knowledgeable about the signs of abuse and how to report concerns. Staff enjoyed their work and felt listened to. They had confidence in the management team and felt valued at work.
People had individual care plans in place and these reflected people’s needs and gave staff clear guidance about how to reduce risks and support them safely. They were personalised and families had been involved in their development. Accidents and incidents were reported and action was taken to reduce the risks of recurrence. People were referred promptly to health care services when required and accompanied to health care appointments.
Staff knew the people they supported, their personal histories and daily preferences. They had developed close and trusting relationships they supported and knew them well. They worked closely with the family and other professionals. Staff showed concern for people’s wellbeing in a caring and meaningful way.
People were supported to follow their interests and take part in social activities in the local community. Links had been made with the local community and people were encouraged to lead fulfilling lives.
The registered manager and staff demonstrated an understanding of their responsibilities in relation to the Mental Capacity Act (2005). People were supported to eat and drink enough and maintain a balanced diet. They received their prescribed medicines at the right time.
People and relatives expressed satisfaction with the management of the service. They felt listened to and able to raise any concerns which they were confident would be dealt with. The registered manager actively sought the views of people, their relatives and staff. This was through regular staff meetings, being visible within the service and questionnaires.
There were some quality monitoring systems in place. However, the registered manager had identified these needed improving to cover more areas. The management team had recently expanded and a manager and assistant manager were employed to help with this.
The group houses were managed to keep people safe. Any repairs and maintenance were dealt with under the tenancy agreements.