We carried out a review of the data available to us about Durham Shared Lives Scheme1 DL15 9ES on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Durham Shared Lives Scheme1 DL15 9ES, you can give feedback on this service.
Durham Shared Lives Scheme 1 DL15 9ES (known as Durham Shared Lives) is a shared lives scheme which provides people with long-term placements, short breaks and respite care, within shared lives carers’ own homes. The service provides support to younger and older people living with a learning disability and/or mental health needs. Shared lives carers (known as providers) were supported by the registered manager and a team of support managers.
Ninety one people were using the service when we inspected, all of whom received personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where people receive personal care, we also consider any wider social care provided.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
We expect health and social care registered providers to guarantee people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices and independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ is the guidance CQC follows to make assessments and judgements about services supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people and providers must have regard to it.
Right Support
People were supported to exceed their goals and aspirations so they could become more independent and confident. Providers were totally focused on people's strengths and promoted what they could do, which enabled people to lead exceptionally fulfilling and meaningful lives. Providers went ‘the extra mile’ to respect people's choices and wherever possible, accommodate their wishes, including those relevant to protected characteristics.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and providers supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People were regularly asked for their opinions and were involved in discussions about their care and support. Providers gave people information in a way they understood and communicated with them in a way that met people’s individual needs. Providers supported people to take part in activities and pursue their interests. Providers supported people to play an active role in maintaining their own health and wellbeing. People were supported safely with medicines. Infection prevention and control practices reflected good practice.
Right Care
People received care which was exceptionally compassionate and kind, which had an extremely positive impact on people’s wellbeing. People were cared for in a way which exceeded expectations and clearly demonstrated how valued people and those important to them were. People were treated like members of providers' families, which made them feel exceptionally valued.
Providers understood how to protect people from poor care and abuse. Providers had completed safeguarding training and knew how to report concerns. Providers were confident any concerns would be handled appropriately by the registered manager.
Providers knew people’s individual needs well, particularly how to communicate with people in an appropriate way. Providers supported people to be independent without compromising their safety.
Right Culture
People’s wishes, needs and rights were at the heart of the service’s culture. Providers demonstrated an exceptionally person-centred approach and continuously sought to protect and promote people’s rights. The registered manager led by example to promote this.
There were robust systems and processes to help ensure people received safe and effective care. Providers worked closely with people's families and health and social care professionals to identify and meet people's needs.
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 (published 16 August 2018).
In October 2019 the provider applied to CQC to make a change to their registration, when they moved the registered office to the current location. Durham County Council remains the registered provider for this service.
Why we inspected
This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.