Updated 9 April 2019
The inspection:
We carried out our inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. Our inspection checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
Inspection team:
The lead inspector interviewed the senior management team in Berkshire and another inspector visited people in their homes. Three further inspectors completed home visits with people who lived in Devon. An assistant inspector and an expert by experience were also part of the team. An expert by experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service. Our expert by experience had knowledge about the support of older adults within care at home settings.
Service and service type:
This service primarily provides care and support to people living in numerous ‘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. A small number of older adults with dementia lived individually in their own homes or flats. 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:
Our inspection was announced. 48 hours’ notice was given so we could be sure the management team would be available for interview and that appropriate documentation was provided at the registered location in Berkshire. We sought the consent of people who lived in ‘supported living’ properties before we entered their house.
What we did:
Our inspection was informed by evidence we already held about the service. We also checked for feedback we received from members of the public, local authorities and clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). We checked records held by Companies House and the Information Commissioner’s Office. Due to the type of inspection, we did not ask the service to complete a Provider Information Return. Providers are required to send us key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make.
The inspection occurred over three full days. On all days, we visited people in ‘supported living’ settings or their own homes. We interviewed 14 people by telephone. We met with an additional 17 people who used the service in various locations. We spoke with the provider’s compliance and quality assurance director, an area manager, a regional manager, two location managers, two deputy managers and a house manager. We also spoke with four care workers, and an administrator. We reviewed nine people’s care records, staff personnel files, audits and other records related to the operation of the service.
We requested additional evidence to be sent to us after our inspection. This was received and the information was used as part of our inspection.