The inspection took place on 16 February 2016 and was announced. The provider was given 48 hours’ notice of the inspection because the location provides a domiciliary care service. We needed to be sure that the registered manager would be available to speak with us.The service provided personal care to adults with mental health needs in a supported living setting. At the time of inspection there were 9 people using the service.
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.
People told us that they felt safe when staff supported them and that there were enough staff to meet their needs.
Risk assessments were in place which set out how to support people in a safe manner. The service had safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures in place. Staff were aware of their responsibilities in these areas.
People were supported to take their medicines by care workers who had received training in medicines management.
When people started to use the service a care plan was developed that included information about their support needs, likes, dislikes and preferences. This meant that staff had the relevant information to meet people’s needs.
People were supported to maintain a balanced diet where they were supported with eating and drinking. People were supported to access healthcare services.
Care workers were supported through training and supervision to be able to meet the care needs of people they supported. They undertook an induction programme when they started work at the service.
Staff told us that they sought people’s consent prior to providing their care.
Staff developed caring relationships with people and understood people’s needs and preferences.
People were involved in decisions about their support. They told us that staff treated them with respect.
People were involved in the assessment and review of their needs.
People and staff felt the service was well managed. The service was well organised and led by a registered manager who understood their responsibilities under the Care Quality Commission (Registration) Regulations 2009.
The provider carried out monitoring in relation to the quality of the service that people received.