The inspection visit at Stable Lives was undertaken on 04 July 2017 and was announced. We gave 48 hours’ notice of the inspection to ensure people who used the service, staff and visitors were available to talk with us.

Stable Lives provides personal care assistance for people who live in their own homes. The service supports people who may live with dementia, mental health conditions, physical disability and sensory impairment. The office is based in a commercial estate in Leeds.

Stable Lives was newly registered on 03 May 2016. Consequently, this was their first inspection.

During this inspection, people and their representatives told us they felt safe whilst being supported in their own home. A relative commented, “[My relative’s] safe in their hands, which we’re relieved about.” People said they had consistency of care staff and never had a missed appointment. We further noted recruitment and selection procedures the registered manager had ensured people were supported by suitably qualified and experienced staff.

The registered manager had systems to manage accidents and to maintain people’s safety and wellbeing. Care files we reviewed contained risk assessments to guide staff to protect people from unsafe support in their own homes. Additionally, staff demonstrated a good awareness of reporting procedures if they suspected abuse or poor practice.

We found staff managed people’s medicines, where applicable, with a safe and supportive approach. The provider ensured staff had up-to-date information, training and competency testing to underpin their skills and understanding of medication procedures.

The registered manager provided a range of training to underpin staff skills and knowledge. People who used the service and their relatives told us they found Stable Lives had effective, well-trained staff. Staff development was strengthened by regular supervision and appraisal.

Staff received training about the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and associated Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. A staff member told us, “I really try to empower clients to make their own decisions in line with the Mental Capacity Act. It’s very much about respect.” People told us staff were respectful and supported them to make their day-to-day decisions.

We found staff and people who used the service worked together in the planning, review and provision of their care. When we discussed this with staff, they showed a good level of awareness regarding the importance of collaborative working. People and their relatives said they found staff were consistently kind and caring. A relative told us, “I think they are doing a fantastic job.”

We found care planning was aimed at helping people to maintain their independence. Care records were personalised to each person’s different requirements. Staff described good practice in their approach to people’s care in ways that maintained their dignity.

People who used Stable Lives said it was well organised and they felt able to contact them if they had any problems. On person said, “They are so flexible if we need an hour here or there. They are very accommodating.” We found the registered manager checked the quality of the service and experiences of those who accessed it. Records included evidence identified issues were quickly addressed.