Archived: Milton Keynes Short Breaks and Supported Living

We considered all the evidence we had gathered under the outcomes we had inspected to answer questions we always ask; Is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service well led?

This is a summary of what we found-

Is the service caring?

People who used the service had their needs assessed and we found that up to date support plans were in use. Weekly team meetings were held to discuss each person who used the service to review the support they required and received. This meant that people were receiving care and support which was in line with their current individual needs.

Is the service responsive?

One person who used the service told us, 'They come every day and get my tea, it is always nice." Staff covered for each other for planned absences to assist with continuity of care for people. We were told that there was a manager 'on call' 24 hours a day to assist if and when necessary. This meant that additional support was always available if required.

Is the service safe?

People who use the service had up to date support plans and risk assessments. There were adequate numbers of suitably qualified and trained staff to support people. An effective complaints system was in place.

Is the service effective?

People's health and care needs were assessed, and care plans written to reflect individual people's needs. People were involved in the planning of their care and signed to consent to this.

There was an advocacy service available if people needed it, this meant that when people required additional support it was available.

Is the service well led?

A registered manager was in post, supported by a management team. Quality assurance processes were in place to ensure people received a quality service.

We looked at how people's consent was obtained, how people were cared for and supported, what checks the provider completed on staff, the complaints system the provider had in place, and how records were maintained. We found concerns with the complaints procedure and found that records did not always contain sufficient information.

We spoke with four staff members who all told us that they felt well supported in their roles and they all spoke very passionately about the service that they provided. One staff member told us "It's a flexible person centred service". Another staff member told us "It's all about choice and inclusion for the service users".

We found that people had support plans in place and that people's preferences and likes and dislikes were recorded. However, we were not able to evidence that the care that people were receiving was consistent with their support plans as some support plans had not been updated to reflect changes.

We found that the provider had a detailed safeguarding policy in place and that staff had a good understanding of it. We saw that staff attended regular team meetings and training sessions. We saw evidence of regular supervision sessions and annual appraisals.

We saw that the provider sent out annual surveys to people that used the service to obtain their feedback and comments about it. We saw that people that used the service were invited to events to discuss the service and voice their opinions. We saw that these events included group discussions where people were encouraged to participate.