Turning Point - Salford and Bolton Learning Disabilities Supported Living

Updated 21 October 2021

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.

Inspection team

Three inspectors and two Expert by Experiences carried out the inspection. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Service and service type

This service provides care and support to people living in 21 ‘supported living’ locations, 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 48 hours' notice of the inspection. This was because we needed to be sure the provider or registered manager would be in the office to support the inspection and ensure people would be available to speak with us.

What we did before inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the service was registered. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used all of this information to plan our inspection. The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report.

During the inspection

We spoke with 10 people who used the service and 15 relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with 11 members of staff including the registered manager, team manager, senior support workers, and support workers.

We reviewed a range of records. This included 11 people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at five staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.

Updated 21 October 2021

About the service

Turning Point - Salford and Bolton Learning Disabilities Supported Living is a 'supported living' service that provides support packages for people with a learning disability or autistic spectrum disorder. Each person has their own individual lease agreement with the housing association and a separate contractual agreement for their support.

The service has a number of 'supported living' settings in the Salford and Bolton district. Each setting contains a number of individual bedrooms or flats and shared or communal gardens, lounges,

kitchens and dining areas. The service provides 24-hour support.

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

People were protected from the risks of abuse and harm and people said they trusted staff to keep them safe. Staff had received training in safeguarding people. People's support needs were risk assessed and support plans provided staff with the information they needed to manage the identified risk. Staff were trained to administer medicines and medicines were managed safely. Recruitment checks were robust to ensure staff were suitable to work with vulnerable adults and staffing arrangements met people’s needs.

Staff had the necessary skills to carry out their roles. Staff had regular training and opportunities for regular supervision and observations of their work performance. People received tailored support that was centred around their assessed needs, choices and decisions. Effective nutrition and hydration support was provided. People's care records contained relevant, up to date nutrition and hydration information for staff to follow. People had access to other healthcare services, ensuring a holistic level of support was provided.

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.

We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability the choices, dignity, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. Right Support, right care, right culture is the statutory guidance which supports CQC to make assessments and judgements about services providing support to people with a learning disability and/or autistic people. The service was able to demonstrate how they were meeting the underpinning principles of Right support, right care, right culture. The staff received training and support to enhance their skills and understanding in relation to maximising choice, promoting person-centred care and creating the right culture.

Support plans were detailed and person-centred. The support plans provided guidance for staff about how best to support people's needs and preferences. People had access to a range of activities, work and social opportunities. Complaints, concerns and constructive feedback was addressed and responded to in line with the provider’s policy. Staff had access to end of life training and end of life care could be facilitated alongside community healthcare professionals.

The registered manager and staff demonstrated a commitment to people and they displayed strong person-centred values. People's choices were respected and staff supported them to achieve good outcomes. Audit systems were in place to monitor the standard of support people received. Measures to assess improvements and continuous learning were in place. The service worked in partnership with other health and social care organisations to achieve better outcomes for people using 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

This service was registered with us on 26/09/2019 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

The inspection was prompted in part due to concerns received about an increase in incidents and allegations of abuse. A decision was made for us to inspect and examine those risks.

We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.