The Care Advantage

“This assessment took place on 24 of March 2026 to 2 April 2026. We completed a remote assessment on the 26 March 2026.”

“Our assessment was announced. This means we gave the service 48 hours' notice prior to our visit taking place. This was because we wanted to make sure someone would be available to support us with the inspection.”

“We expect health and social care 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.”

“The inspection team consisted of 1 inspector.”

“At the time of the assessment, there were 4 people receiving support with personal care. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) only inspects where people receive personal care, this includes support with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating.”

“We spoke with 2 relatives of people who use the service, the assistant manager, the operations manager and 7 staff members. At the time of our assessments, we were unable to speak with people due to their communication support needs.”

“We saw evidence that the provider took appropriate steps to help improve the service. For example, there was a service improvement plan in place which helped make improvement to the service going forwards. Risk assessments and care plans was reviewed on a regular basis or when staff identified concerns. This ensured that documentation was more robust and reflective to people changes of support needs associated with new risks.”

“The staff understood their legal responsibility about following the mental capacity framework. At the time of our assessment there was no person being supported with a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).”

“The provider had effective systems to monitor incidents and learn from them. Staff followed safeguarding procedures, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of people under their care.[MH1]”

“There were systems in place to help manage people’s medicines appropriately, however at the time of the assessment no one was being supported with their medicines due to family supporting in this area. infection risks were controlled, and support was provided by skilled staff.”

“People’s needs were assessed and regularly reviewed, with people actively involved in their own care planning. The service was working closely we an external contractor to implement an electronic system to helped maintain consistency in care delivery.”

“Staff knew the people they supported, treating everyone as an individual and encouraging independence. Relatives told us they responded promptly to needs and fostered a positive culture through recognition and reward initiatives, which promoted staff wellbeing and contributed to the delivery of person-centred care.”

“Care plans were personalised and adapted swiftly to changing needs, underpinned by consistent staffing and clear communication with both people and their relatives. People felt listened to and received information in a manner that suited them. Staff ensured equitable access to support, facilitated community connections, and assisted with future planning.”