Archived: Look Ahead LD Supported Living Service

' Is the service safe?

' Is the service effective?

' Is the service caring?

' Is the service responsive?

' Is the service well led?

This is a summary of what we found.

Is the service safe?

People who used the service were protected from the risk of abuse, because the provider had taken reasonable steps to identify the possibility of abuse and prevent abuse from happening. People we spoke with told us they felt safe living in the home. We observed how people were supported by the staff. We saw staff treating people with respect and dignity.

People's individual files indicated risks to the person and how these could be minimised to ensure that they were supported as safely as possible. Staff had received training in relation to safeguarding of vulnerable adults, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).

Is the service effective?

People's needs were assessed and care and support was planned and delivered in a way that was intended to ensure peoples safety and welfare. We found that support plans were in place and included information about how to meet people's assessed and individual needs. Staff we spoke with had a good understanding of the individual needs of people.

Is the service caring?

People's views and experiences were taken into account and this informed how their care and support was delivered. Care records showed people had been involved and consulted about their care. People told us they felt, happy and safe living at the home. One person told us, 'I like it here. I like my room.' We saw that staff supported people in a respectful and kind way.

Is the service responsive?

People's needs were assessed and support was delivered to meet their individual needs. We looked at two care files. These provided information about people's needs. Support plans gave guidance for staff about how they should meet people's needs. Daily notes showed that people were taking part in meaningful activities and were being supported to access the local community.

Is the service well led?

The service had a registered manager in place at both sites and a clear management structure. Staff we spoke with told us they found the management staff to be approachable and accessible. They received the support and guidance needed to carry out their duties and to meet people's needs.

Quality assurance and monitoring processes were in place. These included seeking the views of people who used the service.

People using the service and their relatives were involved in the planning of their care. They had opportunities to provide feedback and knew how to make complaints. We observed people living at the home were treated with dignity and respect and were offered choices in how they were supported. People were encouraged to be as independent as possible.

We spoke to two relatives of people using the service who were both satisfied with the care provided. One told us, 'I couldn't fault anything ' nothing is too much trouble.' Another person said, "He is well cared for, always clean and tidy.'

There were sufficient staff to meet the needs of people using the service.

The provider had suitable policies and procedures to protect people using the service from harm or abuse. Staff were aware of these procedures and received training in safeguarding.

The premises were safe and clean on the day of the inspection and there were regular health and safety checks as well as suitable safety equipment. Some areas of the property were worn and in need of renewal, in particular some of the bathroom fittings and flooring.