The inspection took place on 1 March 2016 and was announced. Sudley Road provides personal care in a setting called ‘supported living.' Supported living is a type of residential support that helps people to live independently in the community. Supported living arrangements are very flexible and are designed to give each person choice and control over their home and the way they live their life. There were 14 people aged 28 to 65 years who received personal care. These people also received support with activities and independent living skills. A further seven people were supported with activities and independent living skills but did not receive personal care. The service specialises in the care of adults with a learning disability.
The service had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
Staff were trained in adult safeguarding procedures and knew what to do if they considered people were at risk of harm or if they needed to report any suspected abuse. People and their relatives said the staff provided safe care.
Care records showed any risks to people were assessed and there was guidance of how those risks should be managed to prevent any risk of harm.
People received their medicines safely.
Staff were well trained and supervised and had had access to a range of relevant training courses, including nationally recognised qualifications.
The CQC monitors the operation of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005. Staff were trained in the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Where people lacked capacity to consent to their care and treatment assessments were carried out in line with the MCA and its associated Code of Practice.
People were supported with shopping and the preparation of meals where this was needed.
People’s health care needs were assessed, monitored and recorded. Referrals for assessment and treatment were made when needed and people received regular health checks.
Staff had positive working relationships with people. Staff acknowledged people’s rights to privacy and choice. Staff were observed to be skilled in working with people who had behaviour needs.
Care was provided to people based on their individual needs which we call person centred care. People’s preferences and individual needs were acknowledged in the assessment of their needs and in how care was provided. Staff had a good knowledge of people’s changing needs.
People were supported to attend a range of activities, which included employment, hobbies, social events, holidays and trips to the cinema.
The service had a complaints procedure, which people and their relatives said they were aware of. People and their relatives said any issues or concerns were listened to and acted on.
People and their relatives’ views were sought as part of the service’s quality assurance process. The service promoted people to take part in decision making.
There were a number of systems for checking the safety and effectiveness of the service such as regular audits.