We inspected the service on 28 and 30 March 2017. The inspection was announced on both days. The provider was given 48 hours’ notice because the location provides domiciliary care as well as a supported living service for people requiring personal care; we needed to be sure that someone would be in.

Lifeways Community Care is a home care agency and supported living service that supports adults who live with a learning disability, autism or mental health issues. At the time of our inspection there were 141 people using the service

The service had a registered manager. 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.

People and their relatives told us that they felt safe. Staff were aware of their responsibility to keep people safe. Safe recruitment practices were followed.

Risk associated with activities of people’s care had been assessed and measures were in place to prevent avoidable harm. The environment and equipment was checked and maintained in order to keep people safe.

Staff had received training and supervision to meet the needs of the people who used the service. Staff told us that they felt supported.

People received their medicines as required. Medicines were administered safely by staff who were appropriately trained and competent to do so. People were supported to manage their medicines where they were able to.

People’s health needs were met and when necessary, outside health professionals were contacted for support. People were supported to have enough to eat and drink and follow healthy diets.

People were supported in line with the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA). People’s capacity to consent to their care had been assessed when there was a reasonable belief that they may not be able to make a specific decision.

People were supported by staff who understood that they should be treated with dignity and respect. People’s independence was promoted and encouraged.

People were supported to pursue their interests and remain active. Staff supported people to access educational, vocational and leisure activities. People’s aspirations were recognised and respected.

People had been asked for feedback about the service. They were activity involved and consulted in the running of the service. Staff were involved in the recruitment of their staff.

People received care and support that was centred on them as individuals. People were involved in planning and reviewing their care. Staff had a clear understanding of their role and how to support people as individuals.

People felt that the service was well-led. They knew how to complain should they have needed to and had confidence that their concerns would be addressed.

Staff felt supported and that communication between them and the registered manager was good. They were clear on their role, the expectations of them and the aims and objectives of the service.

Systems were in place to monitor the quality of the service being provided and drive improvement.

The registered manger was aware of their responsibility to report events that occurred within the service to CQC and external agencies.