Clia Care (Disraeli Lodge) is registered for ‘personal care’. The service provides care and support to people living in the ‘supported living’ scheme so that they can live in their own home as independently as possible. CQC does not regulate the premises used for supported living; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support.

Some people living at Clia Care (Disraeli Lodge) did not receive a regulated activity from the service. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) only inspects the service being received by people provided with ‘personal care’, which includes help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also consider any wider social care provided.

The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

Clia Care (Disraeli Lodge) provides a service to young adults some of whom have autism and learning disabilities. At the time of inspection two people were receiving support with personal care from this service.

This inspection took place on 28 August 2018 and was announced. 48 hours before the inspection we contacted the service to let them know that we will be coming to inspect them. We wanted to make sure that the registered manager would be available on the day of inspection.

This service has not previously been inspected.

The service had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the CQC 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.

At the time of inspection, we found that some staff were not up-to-date with the required training courses. We made a recommendation about this.

People told us they felt safe living at Clia Care (Disraeli Lodge) and that there was enough staff to assist them with their care needs. Systems were in place to support people to stay safe from abuse and any incidents and accidents occurring. Staff undertook all the required pre-employment checks before they started working with people which ensured their suitability for the role. Guidance was provided for staff on how to support people to take their medicines safely. Staff followed people’s risk management plans to mitigate any potential risks to people. However, some additional information was required to guide staff on what were the exact risks to people that could affect their well-being.

Staff said the management team provided effective support to them which meant they could carry out their responsibilities as required. People’s health needs were adhered to when they needed medical attention. People had support to identify and meet their care needs according to their preferences. The service monitored people’s ability to make decisions for themselves as required by the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA).

People spoke positively about the staff team and how well they cared for them. Staff were kind, friendly and attended to people’s needs and preferences as required. People felt they were respected which helped them to maintain their self-esteem. Staff supported people to learn new skills and increase their independence where possible.

People’s care needs were appropriately assessed which provided staff with guidance on the assistance people required. Staff were aware of people’s communication needs and communicated to people the way they could understand them. People and their relatives were supported to raise concerns and complaints and felt confident to approach the staff team for making changes to their care if necessary.

People, their relatives and the healthcare professionals we spok