20 September 2016
During a routine inspection
Flexicare housing is a version of extra care scheme where people rent their own flat, but have access to care and support as and when they need it over 24 hours a day. Because it meets a wide range of needs, flexicare is a positive choice for people with a range of needs, from those starting to need a little help with physical or memory problems, to those who were seeking an alternative to residential care. People lived in their rented flat with the privacy of their own front door, but had care available if they needed it.
There was a registered manager in post who was responsible for all the five schemes operated by the provider. 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. In addition, all the schemes had an allocated Care Team Manager who was responsible for the day to day management of the schemes.
Staff received training in how to protect people from harm and they were aware of how to report any concerns internally and externally. People and their relatives told us that the care and support people received from staff was safe and had a positive impact on people`s life.
People told us staff were respectful and offered care and support in a caring way which promoted their independence. The care and support offered to people met their needs and made people feel safe. People were involved in developing their own care plan based on their needs and wishes.
Staff had comprehensive induction training when they started working for the provider and they attended regular refresher training sessions. The registered manager identified and offered specialist training for staff to develop and progress in their career.
The provider successfully supported people to overcome the risk of social isolation. They organised regular events to encourage social interaction. People were given opportunities to pursue their hobbies and interests.
People and their relatives told us they had good communication with staff and the managers who were running the service. They felt their voice was listened to and any suggestions they had, the staff were able to action and resolve issues to their satisfaction. People confirmed that staff sought consent before assisting them and the service worked in accordance with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
People and their relatives told us they felt the service was well managed and well led. People we spoke with told us how they enjoyed living and being supported by staff at the service. Regular audits were carried out by the registered manager and areas identified as in need of improvement were actioned and the quality of the service provided was improved.