The Care Quality Commission
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Archived: Shared Lives Scheme

Mill Hill Independent Living Centre, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 2RB

Provided and run by:
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Important: This service was previously registered at a different address - see old profile

All Inspections

24 September 2013

During a routine inspection

The manager told us people who used the service like to be referred to as service users and staff like to be referred to as carers.

We spoke with six service users who all confirmed staff asked permission before carrying out any activity and knock on their doors before entering. One person told us, 'I am happy the carers are good, they knock and ask permission'.

We spoke with six service users and asked them to tell us about the care they received. One person told us, 'The carers are good, Another said, 'I am happy, I have discussed my care it is a joint process of discussing care with carers'

We saw complementary feedback from professional questionnaires for example; 'Shared lives communicates well minor issues are resolved very quickly'. 'Information is shared on service user', and 'It would be excellent if the service could be developed to support more individuals'.

We were told all service users were given a DVD about complaints. There was a complaints leaflet on display and we saw copies of easy read complaints forms for service users if they needed them.

We looked at three service users care files. They all followed a chronological order. The records were accurate and comprehensive.

We spoke with four carers about service users care files. All staff were able to tell us the importance of care records for service users. One person we spoke with told us, 'Care files hold up to date relevant information'.

During a check to make sure that the improvements required had been made

The provider had reviewed or introduced policies and quality assurance systems which meant that people who used the service, their representatives, carers and staff were asked for their views about the service and appropriate action was taken as a result of feedback received.

13 September 2012

During a routine inspection

We spoke with two of the people who use the service. They told us they were satisfied with the care and support they received from the carers approved by the scheme. One person told us "I am very happy living with my carer. I can do what I like". The people using the service felt safe and staff and carers were aware of their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding policies and procedures.

We spoke with two of the carers who informed us they were well supported by the manager and staff employed by the scheme. The staff were committed to the ongoing development of the scheme but we found that there were not adequate systems in place to regularly assess and monitor the quality of the service people received.