Archived: Marsden Street Supported Living Service

During the inspection we were able to communicate with three people who used the service. We spoke with one family member and with five people who worked at the home.

Is the service safe?

People's needs were assessed and treatment was planned with the help of individuals and their representatives. Care files we checked confirmed that initial assessments had been carried out by experienced staff before people were accepted into the service. This was to ensure the service could meet identified needs, thereby promoting their safety.

The service had ensured all people who lived at the home had been referred to the local authority in order to receive best interest's assessments. This was important as people who used the service had varying degrees of mental capacity which might have left them at risk.

People were looked after and cared for by staff who were suitably qualified, skilled and experienced. We checked staff supervision and training files and found the provider had made arrangements to ensure staff received training and sufficient supervision so that people received care which was safe and appropriate.

Is the service effective?

During our observations we noted that people's views and experiences were taken into account and their privacy and dignity was respected by staff. We noted staff listened to people and explained the choices available to them in the way people found it easy to understand. We saw staff using communication methods such as pictures and object of reference which ensured people's choices were understood and acted on.

Is the service caring?

We were informed by people and care staff that people were able to express their views and be involved in making decisions about their care and treatment each day. People were supported by staff who were attentive and friendly. We saw care workers showing patience and gave encouragement when supporting people.

Is the service responsive?

People's views and experiences were taken into account and their privacy and dignity was respected by care workers who looked after them. We saw in minutes of family meetings how the service responded positively to issues that might be raised. We saw by reading care support plans when a person's health declined the provider immediately took steps to have the person's needs reassessed by the local authority. This showed us that care and treatment was planned and delivered in a way, which was intended to ensure people's safety and welfare. It also showed us the provider contacted appropriate professionals at the correct time to make sure people were in receipt of appropriate care and treatment promptly.

Is the service well led?

We saw in records of meetings and in supervision records we read how the manager supported care support staff to deliver a safe effective service. We saw how management responded positively and expediently to modify the service when required. Staff we spoke with confirmed they felt supported. People who used the service told us they felt the home was well led.

People's needs were assessed and care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with their individual care plan. Care plans and risk assessments were regularly updated by staff. People were engaged with activities that reflected their needs. We noted that staff had support and training to deliver care appropriate to people's needs.

There were policies and auditing systems in place to ensure that people received safe care and support that met their needs.