Archived: Guinness Supported Living Devon

Updated 14 April 2021

The inspection

This was a targeted inspection to follow up on specific concerns which we had received about the service related to the safe care and treatment of people, specifically how the service safeguarded people from abuse, how risks were managed, how lessons were learnt when things go wrong and whether there were enough staff to support people appropriately. A decision was made for us to inspect and examine those risks.

Inspection team

The inspection was carried out by one inspector.

Service and service type

Guinness Supported Living Devon provides care and support to people living in ‘supported living’ settings, so that they can live as independently as possible. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for supported living; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support.

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

Notice of inspection

We gave the service short notice of the inspection. This was because it is a supported living service and people are often out. We wanted to be sure there would be people at home to speak with us.

What we did before the inspection

Prior to the inspection we reviewed the information we held about the service and notifications we had received. A notification is information about important events which the service is required to send us by law.

During the inspection

We visited four people in one of the supporting living settings and spent a short time speaking with them and observing how staff interacted with them. People were unable to give verbal feedback about the service. We also spoke with three members of staff, which included the registered manager.

After the inspection

After our visit we sought feedback from health and social care professionals, staff and relatives to obtain their views of the service provided to people. We received feedback from two professionals, two relatives and two members of staff.

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at various documents including risk assessments, training records, policies and procedures, specific audits relating to incidents and accidents and various action plans relating to the management of the service to ensure people received safe care and support specific to their individual needs.

Updated 14 April 2021

About the service

Guinness Supported Living Devon is a supported living service providing personal care to 45 people at the time of the inspection. People lived in shared houses in towns across Devon. The service supports adults with learning disabilities, physical and sensory disabilities and mental illness. Not everyone who used the service received personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also consider any wider social care provided.

The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

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.

The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence.

The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.

Most of the people who used Guinness Supported Living Devon had, until a few years ago, lived in residential care homes. Since moving into supported living settings their lives have been enriched in many ways. Since the last inspection staff have supported people to learn new skills, become more independent, and, where possible, work towards moving into their own individual accommodation. People had become more integrated into their local communities, with some having jobs or voluntary work, and others were involved in local projects. People had gained confidence and greater control over their lives. People were supported to lead fulfilling and active lives.

Staff were exceptionally caring and responsive to each person’s needs and wishes. They demonstrated empathy and sensitivity and were passionate about helping people achieve positive changes in their lives. A member of staff said, “I am passionate about my job. I like things done right. It is about them first and foremost”. Staff demonstrated understanding and respect for each person. People were supported to maintain and develop friendships and relationships. A person told us, “They give me space and allow me to lead my life as I want”. They went on to say, “The staff are lovely here. They are always lovely here."

People told us they felt safe. They were supported by staff who had been carefully recruited, well trained and well supported. Staff knew people well and understood the risks to people’s health and safety and how to help them stay safe. People received support tailored to their individual needs to help them manage their medicines safely. There were sufficient staff to enable people to receive individual support at times to suit them.

The service was effective in meeting people’s needs. Care needs were carefully assessed, and support plans drawn up to ensure staff understood all aspects of each person’s needs and how they wanted to be supported. Staff understood people’s dietary needs. People planned the meals they wanted and were supported to shop for ingredients and prepare meals. People enjoyed a varied and healthy range of meals.

The service was well-led. People and staff were involved and consulted, and their views were listened to and acted upon. Staff told us they felt valued. The provider had systems in place to continuously review and improve the service.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was Good (Report published 25 April 2017)

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.