Archived: Shared Lives Scheme

We spoke with four people who used the service, four shared lives carers, two staff members and the registered manager during this inspection. We also looked at the quality assurance systems and some records. This helped answer our five questions; is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service well led? Below is a summary of what we found.

Was the service safe?

Staff and carers were trained in topics such as safeguarding. Systems were in place to make sure that managers and staff learn from events such as accidents and incidents, safeguarding incidents, concerns, whistleblowing and investigations.

There were risk assessments to keep service users safe. Shared lives carers were thoroughly vetted and had to pass a panel of experts before they were licensed to look after service users. Carers homes were checked to make sure they were suitable. Staff went through robust recruitment procedures prior to commencing employment. The recruitment systems used to protect service users were safe.

Was the service effective?

Shared lives carers told us, "The matching process works very well. He came for day care so before he became permanent I knew him by this placement. I think it is a perfect match", "They supplied us with enough information so we knew what we were letting ourselves in for. All in all we have been very happy with all the help and support we have been given. From start to now we can honestly say they have answered all our questions and been at the end of the phone. Nobody watches the clock, they will always answer you if you need them" and "I have signed all the agreements and have lots of support. They gave us plenty of information so we knew what the shared lives scheme entailed". Service users told us, "I am good thank you. I visited lots of times before I moved in last Monday. I am doing well and really enjoy it" and "I am very well thank you. I have been with my carer for three weeks and it has been good". One service user had communication difficulties but nodded when asked if he was happy. All four service users were observed with their carers. There was a good rapport between them, lots of smiles and light hearted banter.

People's choices and wishes had been recorded by staff to provide carers with the information to provide service users with individual care. However, this was provided by care staff in an informal setting and family atmosphere. People's health and care needs were assessed with them if possible and they were involved in writing their plans of care. Whilst service users are looked after in a care setting scheme this is very much in a family orientated and informal way. One new service user who had communication difficulties was already showing some signs of verbal communication, which demonstrated his response to the care and the confidence he was gaining.

People's nutritional needs were assessed and professional help sought where needed. Healthy eating advice was provided by the shared lives staff at forums, meetings and via the newsletter. Safe food handling techniques were also taught to help keep people safe.

We spoke with four service users but did not watch any personal care being given. Plans of care did inform us that privacy, dignity and maintaining independence were important to service users and care was sensitive to their needs. People shared the family rooms with the family they lived with but had their own private space.

Was the service caring?

We observed how carers and services users interacted. Carers were not seen as staff but as family and this came across very clearly during our visit. The way both sides responded to each other showed this was a two way process and was of almost equal benefit to them all.

People's preferences, interests, aspirations and diverse needs had been recorded and care and support had been provided in accordance with people's wishes. People who used the service were encouraged to provide as much information about their past lives and what they liked or did not. This information gave staff the knowledge to treat people as individuals.

Was the service responsive?

People completed a range of activities in and outside the service regularly. Each person had their known hobbies and interests recorded. Service users told us, "I do lots of walking, swimming, dancing, play dominoes and complete jigsaw puzzles", "I am very active. I clean up, go on the weights and go swimming. I work at Witton park in the gym. I can go to work on Sunday if I like. I also like to sing on the Kareoke machine and go for a beer" and "I am looking forward to going on holiday but we do lots of things during the week".

Managers held regular meetings with service users, shared lives carers and staff to take note of their views. Shared lives carers told us, "I have attended the forums when I can meet with my peer groups. We have a social group of shared lives carers and we can share information", "We can go to the meetings if we like and staff will always answer any questions we have" and "I enjoy working for the shared lives scheme and get to the meetings when I can to share information".

Was the service well-led?

The service worked well with other agencies and services to make sure people received their care in a joined up way. There was a system for providing information to other providers in an emergency.

The service had good quality assurance systems. The registered manager undertook regular audits of the service. Records seen by us showed that identified shortfalls were addressed promptly and as a result the quality of the service was continually improving.

Staff training was on-going, as was supervision and appraisal. Shared lives carers told us, "I think I have done enough training to meet the needs of the people I look after and you can ask for training specific to your needs. We have the placements monitored around every six weeks and it is very good that they are informal", "We only started in May and we have trained in deprivation of liberties, medication, first aid, safeguarding, fire safety and the induction course. There is always something" and "I have done lots of training. The training has helped me improve my skills". A member of the staff told us, "We do enough training to do the job. The background of all staff is in learning disability. I have been with the team for four months. It is a good scheme and it makes such a difference to people's lives. There are such good positive outcomes for people. I am learning as I go. I get very good support. You can talk to the manager at any time. He is very proactive about the service and I have learnt a lot from him about person centred care".