We carried out a review of the data available to us about Curans Care on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Curans Care, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
The provider took reasonable steps to ensure the risks of having visitors who may catch and spread infection were understood and mitigated. Visitors entering the service were requested to complete a visitors book and were encouraged to complete lateral flow testing (LFT) and were screened for symptoms of acute respiratory infection on entry. They were supported to wear a face covering when visiting. The provider supported people in outside visits and had a process for monitoring them for symptoms of Covid-19 and LFT on their return.
Routine testing scheme for all staff and people using the service had been implemented. Appropriate consent was in place for people using the service. Where people did not wish to be tested, they were supported to understand why testing is deemed important. Where people lack capacity to consent to testing the provider had followed the MCA and best interest principles.
The provider had not had any people who use the service who had tested positive for Covid-19, however, there was a clear process to follow if this did happen.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was in accordance with current government guidelines. Staff had a sufficient supply and access to appropriate PPE. The provider has worked with the housing provider to ensure where appropriate/possible signage on donning/doffing PPE and handwashing is visible in all communal areas, including for visitors. The provider has robust systems in place to ensure government PPE guidance is being followed across the services they support.
All staff in high risk groups such as BAME, clinically ‘extremely vulnerable’ have been risk assessed, and adjustments had been made.
The provider ensured that the home was well ventilated, with windows and doors opened where appropriate to facilitate ventilation.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.
Curans Care is a supported living service providing personal care to people living in individual and shared flats in Tooting and Kingston. At the time of the inspection there were 20 people using the service across five supported living schemes, three in Tooting and two in Kingston. Not everyone who used the service received 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
The provider arranged a number of exciting and varied activities for people. Bespoke, individual support plans were in place and these focussed on improving people’s independent living skills. People were supported to attend college and led active lives within their local communities. Where concerns were raised, the provider acted to ensure people’s satisfaction.
People told us they felt safe within their current living arrangements in the presence of staff. Recruitment procedures were robust which helped to ensure people were supported by staff who had been vetted before being employed. People were supported by staff who were familiar and known to them. People were supported to take risk that had been adequately assessed. Medicines management was safe and people were supported to take their medicines from competent staff.
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 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 new skills and become more independent. Staff received regular training in areas that were relevant to meeting people’s needs. Timely referrals were made to healthcare and other professionals as required. People received support to maintain a healthy lifestyle through appropriate support with meals.
Staff were caring and friendly. They demonstrated a good understating of people’s support needs. They were sensitive to providing care that promoted people’s dignity and privacy. They supported people to maintain their independence.
The registered manager had been employed for a number of years and he was well liked and respected by people and the staff team. He was aware of the provider’s obligations with regards to notifying the CQC of certain events. The provider ensured they continued to provide a good service through regular audits.
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 28 February 2019 and this is the first inspection.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on when the service registered with us.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk