We carried out a review of the data available to us about Step Ahead Care Services 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 Step Ahead Care Services, you can give feedback on this service.
Step Ahead Care Services is a supported living service providing personal care to people living with a learning disability or autism. At the time of this inspection there were two people using the service living in one house sharing a bathroom, kitchen, lounge and garden.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
We have made a recommendation about meeting the sensory and physical needs of people using the service.
Right Support:
The model of care and the setting maximised people’s choice, control and independence. People had their own bedroom and shared the facilities. Care and support was provided in a safe, clean and well-maintained environment. Staff supported people to achieve their goals and aspirations. People were encouraged to make choices and decisions in accordance with their level of understanding.
People were supported by enough appropriately skilled staff to meet their needs and keep them safe. People’s risks were assessed in a person-centred way. Care plans and risk assessments were regularly reviewed and involved relatives as appropriate. People who may become anxious or distressed had proactive plans in place to reduce the need for restrictive practices.
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.
Right Care:
Care was person-centred and promoted people’s dignity, privacy and human rights. People were protected from abuse and poor care. Staff demonstrated they provided kind and compassionate care to people. Relatives confirmed they were included in decision making about their relative’s care. People were supported to maintain their privacy, dignity and independence by a staff team who knew them well.
People had their communication needs met. Staff confirmed they could meet people’s cultural and spiritual needs. People were supported to maintain links with their family. Staff engaged people in activities in accordance with their individual care plans.
Right Culture:
The registered manager had an open door policy and relatives and staff spoke positively about them. Relatives and staff confirmed they would be able to raise concerns to enable improvements to be made to the service.
The provider ensured staff had relevant training, supervision and appraisal. Governance systems ensured people were kept safe and received care support in line with their personal needs. Relatives were asked by the provider about their opinions of the service. Staff worked with healthcare professionals to improve outcomes for people.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 21 July 2021 and this is the first inspection. The last rating for the service at the previous premises was good, published on 28 April 2021.
Why we inspected
This inspection was prompted due to concerns received about staffing and management. We carried out a review of the information we held about this service and noted there had been a change in the location address. A decision was made for us to inspect and examine those risks.
We found no evidence during this inspection that people were at risk of harm from these concerns. Please see the safe and well-led sections of this full report.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.