A supported living service in Kettering, Northamptonshire, has been rated outstanding following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
CQC inspected Consensus (2013) Limited- 55 Headlands in October. The service provides personal care and support to people with Prader-Willi syndrome, a learning disability or autistic people in their own homes.
The inspection found that people using the service benefited from outstanding care that had changed their lives for the better, enabling them to live fulfilling and happy lives.
Following the inspection, Consensus was rated outstanding overall and outstanding for being caring and well-led. It was rated good for being safe, responsive and effective.
Debbie Ivanova, CQC deputy chief inspector for people with a learning disability and autistic people, said:
“Our inspectors were extremely impressed by the level of support Consensus offered the people in its care.
“From the moment people joined the service, there was great commitment to ensure they led fulfilling, happy and healthy lives. Effective and strong leaders ensured people received an extremely personalised service that considered their hobbies, preferences and goals.
“For example, staff had supported one person for over a year to overcome their anxieties which had left them housebound. This was successful and the person was able to leave their home and move to new accommodation.
“People were fully involved in the staff interview process and were supported to sit on interview panels. A matching tool was used to so people had an informed choice about who they wished to support them.
“In addition, staff had been highly inventive and proactive supporting people to stay safe during the pandemic. They used games and easy-read information such as posters and stories to help people understand more about COVID-19 restrictions.
“All of this meant that the service was providing the best care for people and the whole team at the service deserve to be congratulated.”
CQC inspectors found:
- Staff were very caring and knowledgeable about how best to communicate with people and to advocate for them to ensure their views were heard
- The registered manager and staff promoted a very positive, transparent and open culture
- Staff liaised with health and social care professionals and used innovative ways to help people overcome their anxieties about visiting health professionals such as a dentist
- Easy read guides around safeguarding and bullying were available which used various communication aides like symbols, objects and pictures to help people understand and take control of their safety
- The provider ensured accidents and incidents were thoroughly investigated and audited and there was opportunity to learn lessons when things went wrong
- The service worked extremely well with external health professionals throughout the pandemic; staff had used inventive techniques to support people who were anxious about having the COVID-19 vaccine.
Full details of the inspection are given in the report published on our website.
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