Better Lives (Northants) LTD received a Good rating across all five key questions at its July 2023 inspection, supporting 8 people with learning disabilities or autism in their own homes and a supported living setting. The service demonstrated strong person-centred practice, consistent and safe staffing, effective governance, and a positive open culture aligned with Right Support, Right Care, Right Culture principles.
Strengths
· Person-centred support promoting independence, with people supported to manage finances, cook, and make their own choices.
· Consistent staffing with no missed visits reported; people and relatives confirmed staff were always on time.
· Comprehensive safeguarding training and up-to-date policies; staff understood procedures to protect people from abuse.
· Medicines managed safely with MAR audits, independence-promoting assessments, and staff competency checks.
· Strong communication support including individual communication assessments and easy-read formats.
Quality-Statement breakdown (23)
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseGood
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and managementGood
safe: Staffing and recruitmentGood
safe: Using medicines safelyGood
safe: Preventing and controlling infectionGood
safe: Learning lessons when things go wrongGood
effective: Assessing people's needs and choices; delivering care in line with standards, guidance and the lawGood
effective: Staff support: induction, training, skills and experienceGood
effective: Supporting people to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced dietGood
effective: Staff working with other agencies to provide consistent, effective, timely care; Supporting people to live healthier livesGood
effective: Ensuring consent to care and treatment in line with law and guidanceGood
caring: Ensuring people are well treated and supported; respecting equality and diversityGood
caring: Supporting people to express their views and be involved in making decisions about their careGood
caring: Respecting and promoting people's privacy, dignity and independenceGood
responsive: Planning personalised care to ensure people have choice and control and to meet their needs and preferencesGood
responsive: Meeting people's communication needsGood
responsive: Improving care quality in response to complaints or concernsGood
responsive: End of life care and supportGood
well-led: Promoting a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empoweringGood
well-led: How the provider understands and acts on the duty of candourGood
well-led: Managers and staff being clear about their roles, and understanding quality performance, risks and regulatory requirementsGood
well-led: Engaging and involving people using the service, the public and staff; Continuous learning and improving careGood