Community Support Services (CMG) is a supported living service. At the time of the inspection this service provides care and support to people living in four 'supported living' settings, so that they can live in their own home as independently as possible. People's care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for supported living; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support.

This inspection took place on 22 and 25 June 2018 and was announced. There were 17 people using the service at the time of our inspection.

There was a registered manager in post. 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. The registered manager was at the home during the time of our inspection.

There was positive feedback about the service and the caring nature of staff from people who used it and their relatives.

We have made a recommendation around the management of end of life care. At the time of our visit although some information was present the service did not have detailed information on people’s preferences and personal choices on how they would like to be supported at the end of their life should it arise.

People were safe with the Community Support Service CMG. Staff understood their duty should they suspect abuse was taking place. Risks around people’s health and safety had been identified and discussed with them to minimise these risks. Staff managed the medicines in a safe way and were trained in the safe administration of medicines. Where possible, people’s independence was prompted so they could manage their own medicines.

In the event of an emergency people would be protected because there were clear procedures in place to evacuate the buildings they lived in. Accidents and incidents were reviewed to minimise the risk of them happening again.

There were sufficient staff deployed to meet the support hours and needs identified for each individual. The provider had carried out appropriate recruitment checks to ensure staff were suitable to support people. Staff received an induction when they started at the service and ongoing training, tailored to the needs of the people they supported.

Before people moved into the home, their needs were discussed with them and their families to ensure staff could provide the care and support they needed.

People were supported to make their own meals where ever possible. They were supported to have a balanced diet and they were encouraged to keep hydrated. People had enough to eat and drink, and specialist diets either through medical requirements, or personal choices were provided.

People were supported to maintain good health. They had access to relevant healthcare professionals when they needed them. People’s health was seen to improve because of the effective care and support given by staff.

Where people did not have the capacity to understand or consent to a decision the provider had followed the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (2005). An appropriate assessment of people’s ability to make decisions for themselves had been completed. Where people’s liberty may be restricted to keep them safe, the provider had followed the requirements of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) to ensure the person’s rights were protected.

People received the care and support as detailed in their care plans. These care plans were based on goals that people wanted to achieve, and the support needed to achieve them. People were involved in their day to day care decisions. The staff knew the people they cared for as individuals, and were positive in their interactions with them. Staff treated people with kindness and respect.