About the service:

Shared Lives of Calderdale is a family placement service providing support for people who would otherwise be vulnerable. People were receiving day support, respite care or long term placements. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) only inspects the regulated activity of ‘personal care’ being provided to people who use the service. However, we do take into account any wider social care provided. At the time of our inspection the service was providing support to 33 people, some of whom were receiving personal care support.

People’s experience of using this service:

People felt safe and were happy with their carers. They felt listened to and supported to raise any issues they may have. Many told us how much they felt part of their family. Carers knew how to recognise and report potential abuse, and concerns were dealt with promptly by the service.

Risks were assessed in a person-centred manner and clear guidance was evident for carers. The service worked well as many people receiving support knew each other’s carer, so there was a strong sense of community. Carers told us they felt part of a team. This meant there were contingencies in place in the event of emergencies.

Medication was safely managed as carers were trained and people were supported to self-medicate wherever possible. Carers had a sound understanding of promoting people’s choice and allowing them to take positive risks.

The service had strong leadership which focused on continual self-reflection and promoted a culture of improvement. The registered manager ensured they knowledge of current best practice and sought advice of other services as needed. Carers received regular supervision and training, and all told us they could approach the registered manager and other staff whenever they needed to.

People received support with nutrition and accessing other services if required. Care records evidenced people’s choices, preferences and any specific cultural needs. They reflected current needs and were regularly reviewed. We saw many incidences where independence was encouraged and privacy and dignity were always respected.

The service had not received any complaints, but we saw many compliments. Quality assurance measures provided the opportunity for regular reviews and evidenced positive relationship building, enabling people to develop in confidence.

People using the service and their carers were often approached for their views and everyone we spoke with would recommend the service.

Rating at last inspection: This is the first inspection of the service since being registered at its current address.

Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection as part of our inspection programme.

Follow up: The service will continue to be monitored in line with our inspection programme, and if information of concern is raised, this will be investigated.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk