Background to this inspection
Updated
20 November 2019
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
The inspection team consisted of one inspector and an Expert by Experience. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.
Service and service type
This service provides care and support to people living in supported living settings, 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.
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
We gave the service 48 hours’ notice of the inspection. This was because it is a small service and we needed to be sure that the provider or registered manager would be in the office to support the inspection. Inspection activity started on 15 October and ended on 22 October 2019, which included visits to people on 17 October 2019.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority safeguarding and commissioning teams in the areas in which the provider supported people. We also sought feedback from Healthwatch. Healthwatch is an independent consumer champion that gathers and represents the views of the public about health and social care services in England. We used all information to plan our inspection.
The provider was 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.
During the inspection
We spoke with five people who used the service and six relatives about their experience of the care provided, this included visits to two people in their homes. We spoke with the provider and nominated individual (provider representative) and contacted 15 members of staff. Not all staff responded to our contact, but those that did included the registered manager, two service managers and seven care staff. We also spoke with one local authority team manager and contacted a behavioural psychologist and a community nurse. We used their comments to support the judgment of this inspection.
We reviewed a range of records. This included three care plans and three medicine administration records. We looked at five staff files in relation to recruitment, training and support. We also reviewed a range of management documentation, including policies and procedures.
After the inspection
We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. The provider sent us further information as requested.
Updated
20 November 2019
About the service
Aspire Supported Living Service provides personal care and support to 25 people with learning disabilities, autism or associated related conditions and/or mental health needs. Seven people received support with personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also consider any wider social care provided.
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 service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
Medicines were generally managed safely, although we did find some recording issues.
New governance procedures were still being fully imbedded, including updated information technology procedures. The service had a clear vision and had open communication with people, relatives and staff. People and relatives were contacted by the management team to discuss the quality of their care. Staff were involved in meetings and decisions about the running of the service.
People were treated with respect and kindness and their privacy and dignity was upheld. People were involved in the planning and review of their care. Care and support plans were being reviewed to ensure they were reflective of people’s needs.
People's individual needs and wishes were known to staff. There were arrangements in place for people and their representatives to raise concerns about the service.
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.
The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence.
The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain skills and become more independent. However, outcomes were not always recorded fully or reflective of support or opportunities provided.
During the inspection we completed a questionnaire with the registered manager regarding the CQC’s current thematic review of restraint, seclusion and segregation. No areas of concern were identified.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection (and update) The last rating for this service was requires improvement (published 30 October 2018).
The last rating for this service was requires improvement. The service has improved to overall good.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up:
We will return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.