14 October 2015
During a routine inspection
This inspection took place on the 14 October 2015 and was unannounced.
FitzRoy Supported living service provides varying amounts of care support for people with a learning disability across four locations in Suffolk within a supported living environment. Depending on their needs this support includes support with personal care, shopping, domestic activities and community or social activities. On the day of our visit there were 16 people using the domiciliary service across all four supported living locations.
There was a registered manager in post at the time of the inspection who had just returned from maternity leave. During their absence the provider appointed an acting manager to manage the day to day service. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission 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.
People told us they felt safe in their own home. Staff understood the need to protect people from harm and what steps they would take if they suspected abuse. The provider had a whistle blowing policy and procedures to guide staff in how to report and report concerns appropriately.
People’s likelihood of harm was reduced because risks to people’ health, welfare and safety had been assessed and risk assessments produced to guide staff in how to mitigate these risks and keep people safe from harm.
The provider’s recruitment procedures demonstrated that they operated a safe and effective recruitment system.
Staffing levels had been assessed and were flexible according to people’s individual assessed needs. However, there was a high use of agency staff due to staff vacancies and staff absences.
Not everyone’s care and support plans clearly identified the assessment of people’s capacity to manage their finances and plans in place to support them which protected their human rights.
People received the support they needed to access healthcare professionals and specialist advice was sought when required which supported people to maintain their health and wellbeing.
People were at ease and comfortable when staff were present. Staff supported people in a kind, caring and dignified way. People’s privacy and dignity was maintained in supporting people with their personal care. People were actively involved in planning their own care. This included what activities they chose to be involved in. Support plans contained specific guidance for staff in how best to deliver care in a respectful and dignified manner.
People were supported to access the community and take part in activities according to their individual assessed needs and choices.
Staff understood their roles and were supported by the management team through regular supervision, appraisals and meetings.
The provider carried out regular quality and safety monitoring of the service. Where shortfalls had been identified action plans had been produced which evidenced planning towards continuous improvement of the service.