Dorset Supported Living

On this page

• Overview
• Kindness, compassion and dignity
• Treating people as individuals
• Independence, choice and control
• Responding to people’s immediate needs
• Workforce wellbeing and enablement

Caring – this means we looked for evidence that the service involved people and treated them with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.

At our last inspection we rated this key question good. At this inspection the rating has remained good.

This meant people were supported and treated with dignity and respect; and involved as partners in their care.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

The service always treated people with kindness, empathy and compassion and respected their privacy and dignity.

Staff treated people in a kind, caring and respectful manner. Peoples feedback about staff was positive. Comments included, “Staff are kind to me and make me laugh a lot”, “Staff are always happy and are nice to me”, and “All staff are nice and kind.”

The service treated people as individuals and made sure people’s care, support and treatment met people’s needs and preferences. They took account of people’s strengths, abilities, aspirations, culture and unique backgrounds and protected characteristics.

People told us staff provided care in line with their wishes and preferences. People took part in activities of their choice, for example, going to the beach, going swimming, visiting attractions and going to work. A person said, “I like all the staff here, they are fun and we do fun things.” Care plans and risk assessments were detailed, personalised and regularly reviewed.

The service promoted people’s independence, so people knew their rights and had choice and control over their own care, treatment and wellbeing.

People’s care was tailored to their preferences, likes and dislikes. People told us they made choices and had control over their care. One person told us, “I get to choose who works here and who works with me.” Another person said, “I get to choose things all the time. I choose what I wear, eat and do, and staff help me live a good life.” Staff told us they encouraged people’s independence. A staff member said, “Promoting independence is a key part of the support we provide. People are encouraged to make their own choices, participate in meal preparation, household tasks, personal care, budgeting, shopping, attending appointments, and engaging in community activities according to their abilities. Staff provide support only where necessary while encouraging individuals to develop and maintain their skills”.

The service listened to and understood people’s needs, views and wishes. Staff respond to people’s needs in the moment and acted to minimise any discomfort, concern or distress.

People told us staff helped and supported them as they needed. Comments included, “Staff always help me”, “Staff are very helpful and will help when I need it”, and “Staff know how to cheer me up when I am sad and help me when I get stuck.” Staff told us they would record and report any changes in people’s needs or concerns they had.

The service cared about and promoted the wellbeing of their staff, and supported and enabled staff to always deliver person-centred care.

Staff told us they felt supported by management. A staff member said, “The management team is approachable and supportive. If I need advice or have any concerns, I know I can speak to them and they will help.” Management told us they recognised staff contributions with monthly rewards and supported staff to develop and progress within the organisation.