Lifeways Community Care provides personal care for adults living in sheltered accommodation and in the community. This includes people living with complex needs such as dementia. There were 56 people using the service for personal care at the time of our inspection visit.

This inspection took place on 17 May 2017. The service is run from an office in the Chesterfield area. The provider was given 48 hours' notice because the location provides a domiciliary care service and we wanted to make sure the registered manager was available. In addition we also made visits to people’s homes on 25 May 2017.

There was a registered manager at the service. 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 following the guidance in people’s risk assessments and care plans and the risk of unsafe care was reduced. People’s records were up to date and indicated that care was being provided as detailed in people’s assessments. The records had been updated to reflect changes in people’s care needs. Medicines were managed safely.

People were safeguarded from abuse because the provider had relevant guidance in place and staff were knowledgeable about the reporting procedure. The provider's arrangements for staff recruitment and deployment helped to make sure there were sufficient staff who were fit to work at the service to provide people’s care.

Staff understood their roles and responsibilities for people's personal care and safety needs and for reporting any related concerns. The provider's arrangements for staff training and their operational procedures supported this.

The principles and requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) were being met. People were supported by staff who knew them well. Staff were aware how to promote people’s safety and independence. People were provided with information to support them to make day-to-day decisions.

People received appropriate support to plan and manage their meals and nutrition. This was done in a way that met their needs and choices. People’s health needs were met. Referrals to external health professionals were made in a timely manner.

People told us staff were caring and kind, and that their privacy and dignity was maintained when personal care was provided. People were supported to be as independent as possible and to live busy interesting lives. They were involved in the planning of their care and support. They were also involved in the appointment of staff.

There was a complaints process in place. The leadership of the service was praised by external professionals. Systems to monitor the quality of the service were effective and identified issues for improvement.