Background to this inspection
Updated
24 August 2018
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
The inspection took place on 13 July 2018 and was announced. We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection visit because the location was a small supported living service for adults who were not accustomed to having strangers enter their home. We needed to be sure that we would not cause them any unnecessary distress. The inspection team consisted of one inspector.
Before the inspection the provider completed a Provider Information Return. This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We reviewed the information included in the PIR along with information we held about the service, for example, statutory notifications. A notification is information about important events which the provider is required to tell us about by law.
We observed people receiving care and support at SeeAbility Aldershot Support Service. We also spoke with the registered manager, the deputy manager, two members of staff and three people using the service. We reviewed records which included four people's care plans, three staff recruitment files and supervision records as well as records relating to the management of the service. We also reviewed records relating to quality assurance, staffing levels and training, risk assessments, policies and procedures, complaints, and accidents and incidents.
Updated
24 August 2018
This inspection took place on 13 July 2018 and was announced.
SeeAbility Aldershot provides care and support to people living with a visual impairment and a learning disability 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. At the time of the inspection there were five people living with a visual impairment and a moderate learning disability who were provided with care and support. The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.
At this inspection we found the evidence supported a rating of good. There was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns.
The service had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the 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.
Robust systems were in place to protect people from the risk of avoidable harm and abuse. Staff were aware of their responsibilities and had received the required safeguarding training which was regularly updated. There were sufficient numbers of staff to support people's needs and keep them safe. There were safe recruitment processes in place to make sure the provider only employed workers who were suitable to work in a care setting. Suitable arrangements were in place to store, record and dispose of medicines safely. Medicines were administered by trained staff who had their competency assessed at regular intervals.
People received care from skilled, knowledgeable and trained staff who received regular training support and supervision to help develop their knowledge and skills. People were protected from the risk of acquiring an infection.
The registered manager kept a log of accidents and incidents. Staff were encouraged and supported to reflect on these and take actions to prevent reoccurrences.
Staff were aware of the legal protections in place to protect people who lacked mental capacity to make decisions about their care and support. People were supported in the least restrictive way possible and were enabled to make choices about the care they received.
People were able to maintain a balanced diet. Staff encouraged people to make healthy choices and supported them to prepare their own meals.
Staff had developed caring relationships with the people they supported. Staff respected and upheld people’s independence, privacy and dignity. Care plans accurately reflected the care and support people required and were written in partnership with people and their families where appropriate. Records showed that regular reviews of people’s care and support plans were held.
Processes were in place for investigating and responding to complaints and concerns. Records showed that concerns were addressed promptly. People knew how to complain. A complaints policy was available to people in an easy read format.
People who lived in the home were not receiving end of life care, however, records showed staff had considered whether it was appropriate to discuss people’s wishes about what would happen as they reached the end of their life.
The registered manager maintained a detailed oversight of the service. Robust systems were in place for monitoring quality within the service to drive improvements.
People had access to care from relevant health and social care professionals. Staff communicated effectively with professionals to ensure that people’s needs were met.