Flexible Community Care provides care and support to people living in a ‘supported living’ setting, so that they can live 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. At the time of our inspection, two people were using the service.

There was a registered manager at the service at the time of our inspection. 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 service was safe and people were protected from harm. Care workers were knowledgeable about safeguarding adults from abuse and what to do if they had any concerns and how to report them. Safeguarding training was given to all staff.

Risk assessments were thorough and personalised.

Staffing levels were meeting the needs of the people who used the service and care workers demonstrated they had the relevant knowledge to support people with their care.

Recruitment practices were safe and records confirmed this.

Newly recruited care workers received an induction. Training was provided on a regular basis and updated when relevant, including specialised training to support people with specific needs.

People were supported with maintaining a balanced diet.

People were supported to have access to healthcare services and receive on-going support. Referrals to healthcare professionals were made appropriately and a multi-disciplinary approach was adopted to support people.

Positive relationships were formed between care workers. People’s relatives told us care workers were caring and treated them with respect.

Care plans were detailed and contained relevant information about people who used the service and their needs such as their preferences and communication needs.

Staff felt supported by the registered manager and the culture of the service was open, with regular communication.

Quality assurance practices were robust and taking place regularly.