Aberdeen Supported Living Services Housing Support Service 701 King Street Aberdeen AB24 1SD Telephone:

Aberdeen Supported Living Services Housing Support Service 701 King Street Aberdeen AB24 1SD Telephone: 01224 701305 Inspected by: Brendan McCabe Type of inspection: Unannounced Inspection completed on: 3 May 2013

Contents Page No Summary 3 1 About the service we inspected 4 2 How we inspected this service 6 3 The inspection 9 4 Other information 16 5 Summary of grades 17 6 Inspection and grading history 17 Service provided by: Capability Scotland Service provider number: SP2003000203 Care service number: CS2003055091 Contact details for the inspector who inspected this service: Brendan McCabe Telephone 01224 793870 Email enquiries@careinspectorate.com Aberdeen Supported Living Services, page 2 of 18

Summary This report and grades represent our assessment of the quality of the areas of performance which were examined during this inspection. Grades for this care service may change after this inspection following other regulatory activity. For example, if we have to take enforcement action to make the service improve, or if we investigate and agree with a complaint someone makes about the service. We gave the service these grades Quality of Care and Support 5 Very Good Quality of Staffing 5 Very Good Quality of Management and Leadership 5 Very Good What the service does well The service has positive links with the people living at the service and also with their families. The service ensures that communication is given a high priority and that all involved are kept informed. What the service could do better The service has recently undergone a period of change. It appears to have managed this change well and should now ensure that all records and reviews are up to date. What the service has done since the last inspection The service has undergone significant changes since the previous inspection. The service appears to have coped well with these changes while ensuring that the service users who remained with the service received continuity of care and support. Conclusion The manager and staff had a good knowledge of the customers they were involved in supporting. There was an emphasis on supporting Independence and on good communications with all involved. Who did this inspection Brendan McCabe Aberdeen Supported Living Services, page 3 of 18

1 About the service we inspected Aberdeen Supported Living Service provides combined Housing Support and Care at Home Services for 8 adults with Learning Disabilities or complex needs. People supported by the service live in individuals or shared flats on the North side of Aberdeen. The Care Inspectorate regulates care services in Scotland. Information about all care services is available on our website at www.careinspectorate.com This service was previously registered with the Care Commission and transferred its registration to the Care Inspectorate on 1 April 2011. Requirements and recommendations If we are concerned about some aspect of a service, or think it could do more to improve, we may make a recommendation or requirement. A recommendation is a statement that sets out actions the care service provider should take to improve or develop the quality of the service, but where failure to do so will not directly result in enforcement. Recommendations are based on the National Care Standards, relevant codes of practice and recognised good practice. A requirement is a statement which sets out what is required of a care service to comply with the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 and Regulations or Orders made under the Act or a condition of registration. Where there are breaches of Regulations, Orders or Conditions, a requirement must be made. Requirements are legally enforceable at the discretion of the Care Inspectorate. Based on the findings of this inspection this service has been awarded the following grades: Quality of Care and Support - Grade 5 - Very Good Quality of Staffing - Grade 5 - Very Good Quality of Management and Leadership - Grade 5 - Very Good This report and grades represent our assessment of the quality of the areas of performance which were examined during this inspection. Aberdeen Supported Living Services, page 4 of 18

Grades for this care service may change following other regulatory activity. You can find the most up-to-date grades for this service by visiting our website www.careinspectorate.com or by calling us on 0845 600 9527 or visiting one of our offices. Aberdeen Supported Living Services, page 5 of 18

2 How we inspected this service The level of inspection we carried out In this service we carried out a low intensity inspection. We carry out these inspections when we are satisfied that services are working hard to provide consistently high standards of care. What we did during the inspection An inspection was carried out commencing on 24 April 2013 with a further visit on 2nd May 2013. Feedback was provided to the manager on 3rd May 2013. The service had submitted an annual return and self assessment and these were taken into account prior to the inspection commencing. During the inspection discussions took place with the manager, staff, customers and carers. Examination was made of plans,records and risk assessments. In addition to this the training plan was made available. Grading the service against quality themes and statements We inspect and grade elements of care that we call 'quality themes'. For example, one of the quality themes we might look at is 'Quality of care and support'. Under each quality theme are 'quality statements' which describe what a service should be doing well for that theme. We grade how the service performs against the quality themes and statements. Details of what we found are in Section 3: The inspection Inspection Focus Areas (IFAs) In any year we may decide on specific aspects of care to focus on during our inspections. These are extra checks we make on top of all the normal ones we make during inspection. We do this to gather information about the quality of these aspects of care on a national basis. Where we have examined an inspection focus area we will clearly identify it under the relevant quality statement. Fire safety issues We do not regulate fire safety. Local fire and rescue services are responsible for checking services. However, where significant fire safety issues become apparent, we Aberdeen Supported Living Services, page 6 of 18

will alert the relevant fire and rescue services so they may consider what action to take. You can find out more about care services' responsibilities for fire safety at www.firelawscotland.org Aberdeen Supported Living Services, page 7 of 18

The annual return Every year all care services must complete an 'annual return' form to make sure the information we hold is up to date. We also use annual returns to decide how we will inspect the service. Annual Return Received: Yes - Electronic Comments on Self Assessment Every year all care services must complete a 'self assessment' form telling us how their service is performing. We check to make sure this assessment is accurate. The self asssessment had been effectively completed prior to the inspection. Taking the views of people using the care service into account Three service users were spoken with during the course of the inspection. Taking carers' views into account One carer was spoken with during the course of the inspection. Aberdeen Supported Living Services, page 8 of 18

3 The inspection We looked at how the service performs against the following quality themes and statements. Here are the details of what we found. Quality Theme 1: Quality of Care and Support Grade awarded for this theme: 5 - Very Good Statement 1 We ensure that service users and carers participate in assessing and improving the quality of the care and support provided by the service. Service strengths There was a range of information available for customers both prior to and during the admission process to the service. The service provided clear information as to what they would provide and also what they would expect of the customers. The service had a policy in place that required that customers and their families were involved in consultations in relation to the service. This was discussed with one carer. She advised that she felt completely involved in her relative's care. She stated that she could call staff at any time and that she had contact details for the service. She also advised that she was involved in the review process and was aware that a review was coming up. The service had identified if any service users had difficulty with communications and had taken effective actions to ensure that customers abilities are assessed and that any staff training needs to better meet the needs of customers were being addressed. Observation of practice demonstrated that staff were aware of the communication needs of one service user. Staff were observed to be ensuring that the service user was able to make their views known. There was evidence within the records of reviews taking place and of customers in some cases taking the lead in these reviews. In discussions with the manager he provided examples of customers who wished to see specific changes to the way their care was being provided. He advised on how that had been addressed through Aberdeen Supported Living Services, page 9 of 18

discussions with all involved and changes made to the plans were discussed with the customer to ensure that needs were still being met. There was examples of changes being updated as a result of assessment review and consultation. One customer spoke about his review. He advised that it was "his review" and that he felt he had control of the review and was listened to. There was a record in place of the activities that customers and staff had been involved in. Examination of records indicated that planned activities came about through discussion and planning with staff and the customer. In discussions with staff they explained how they would discuss the wishes of customers during contacts and would be continually assessing the success of the activities they had planned. It was also clear in discussions with staff that they placed a high priority in involving families and ensuring good lines of communication were in place. In discussions with staff they emphasised the importance of being flexible in planning activities with customers. One customer spoke about the plans he had put together with his keyworker to go hill walking. He also stated that he enjoyed going to the park. He advised that walking was a way for him to get away from his computer. One member of staff spoke about the challenge of accessing activities and courses for customers. It was clear from these discussions that there was an emphasis on ensuring that the activities accessed were in agreement with the customer. There was also an awareness from staff that while they may make arrangements and plan activities, service users may still decide not to go ahead. Areas for improvement The service has recently undergone a period of change. The service should ensure that all reviews and risk assessments are up to date and demonstrate that service users have been involved in this update. Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Statement 3 We ensure that service users' health and wellbeing needs are met. Service strengths Inspection report continued In discussions with the manager he advised how the recent service changes had impacted on how customers health needs were met. He stated that customers had access to a GP and other healthcare professionals. This was recorded within their records. Aberdeen Supported Living Services, page 10 of 18

In discussions with staff they were aware of the importance of assisting customers with regard to their healthcare needs. There was also an awareness that it was important to encourage customers to be independent in their contacts with health professionals and to support them to access mainstream services. There was evidence within records of plans that were tailored towards health needs. This included both current health issues and health promotion advice. Contained within the records was a sheet called a professional input sheet which was recording the input of health professionals. Customers likes and dislikes were recorded in relation to diet and activities and in discussions with customers and staff there was an attempt to encourage healthy activities. In discussions with one carer she advised how her relative was supported to keep in touch with other members of the family which was important for them. Customers plans were highly personalised and there was evidence of health and wellbeing needs being discussed. In discussions with staff they advised how plans were put together with customers. One member of staff stated that all aspects of the customers needs would be looked at. There was an awareness of the need to support independence while ensuring that the customer could still be supported when required. The service had a range of policies and procedures in place which were related to health and wellbeing. This included medication, moving and handling, infection control and food hygiene. The service had taken steps to better involve customers in the risk assessment process. The manager advised on this process and demonstrated the paperwork that was in place to ensure that the customers involvement could be evidenced. The manager provided information on the administration of medication within the service. He advised that the customers all had differing needs and the service would meet those needs. He stated that in one case there is a daily audit of medication, however, in other cases customers would be supported to manage their own medication. Areas for improvement The service should ensure that all records and reviews are kept up to date in relation to health and wellbeing. Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Inspection report continued Aberdeen Supported Living Services, page 11 of 18

Quality Theme 3: Quality of Staffing Grade awarded for this theme: 5 - Very Good Statement 1 We ensure that service users and carers participate in assessing and improving the quality of staffing in the service. Service strengths Information contained within Quality Theme 1, Statement 1 would also be relevant to this statement. Customers and their families were being encouraged to comment on the service being provided by staff. Audits of the quality of service being provided were being carried out. In addition to this the organisation had a "have your say" system in place where customers and their families would be encouraged to comment on the service. Areas for improvement The service should continue to ensure that customers and their families are fully consulted and involved in all aspects of the service including the quality of staffing. Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Statement 3 We have a professional, trained and motivated workforce which operates to National Care Standards, legislation and best practice. Service strengths The service had a range of policies and procedures in place in relation to the safe recruitment of staff and ensuring staff had the training and support to carry out their role. Induction training was in place which included mandatory training and further training that would be identified to assist staff to support customers. The manager stated that training included moving and handling, deescalation techniques and how to manage challenging behaviour. He advised that with changes coming regarding Aberdeen Supported Living Services, page 12 of 18

welfare benefits, training would be provided to staff to make them aware of the changes. Staff spoken with were positive about the training they had received. In discussions with staff they came across as experienced and knowledgeable. One member of staff spoke about identifying training needs and being proactive in the provision of training that staff felt was required. Staff had completed a range of formal training and brought a wide experience and knowledge to the service. Future training was discussed and one member of staff stated that the speech and language therapist was providing training to staff. Supervision continued to take place within the service. Staff spoke positively about the support they had received. All staff spoken with had taken part in supervision. One member of staff explained the supervision process. He also stated that staff would have informal discussions at other times to ensure they were being supported. All staff spoken with stated that they felt supported in their role. One stated "the manager is very flexible and supportive" One member of staff spoke about the shadowing she had been involved in and how helpful that had been in getting to know the best way to support customers. Areas for improvement The service should ensure that staff training continues to meet the needs of the customers and is linked to any issues that customers may present with. Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Aberdeen Supported Living Services, page 13 of 18

Quality Theme 4: Quality of Management and Leadership Grade awarded for this theme: 5 - Very Good Statement 1 We ensure that service users and carers participate in assessing and improving the quality of the management and leadership of the service. Service strengths Information in previous statements with regard to participation would also be relevant to this statement. Areas for improvement Information in previous statements with regard to participation would also be relevant to this statement. Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Statement 4 We use quality assurance systems and processes which involve service users, carers, staff and stakeholders to assess the quality of service we provide Service strengths The service had an ethos of encouraging customers and their families to comment on the service that was being provided. In discussions with one carer she advised that at reviews she was encouraged to make her views known. Customers were completing feedback forms. Questions being asked included; Are you happy with the service? Do you feel safe and secure? Is your keyworker trained? The service had a keyworker system in place. One member of staff spoke about the system and the importance of ensuring that all staff kept the keyworker informed. Aberdeen Supported Living Services, page 14 of 18

The manager informed of the various opportunities for customers and their families to comment. Included in this was the personal plans, management of files, reviews, complaints, recruitment and selection and monthly reports. In discussions with the manager and staff there was an emphasis on ensuring that customers views were known and acted upon. One member of staff advised on the review process and how that process would be used to gather quality information. He stated that there was a sheet in place which the customer would complete which would record if the agreed targets had been met. One customer stated that the staff were "very reliable". Areas for improvement The service should ensure that it continues to gather the views of customers and their families. The service should also ensure that customers with communication issues are supported to make their views known. Grade awarded for this statement: 5 - Very Good Number of requirements: 0 Number of recommendations: 0 Aberdeen Supported Living Services, page 15 of 18

4 Other information Complaints No complaints have been upheld, or partially upheld, since the last inspection. Enforcements We have taken no enforcement action against this care service since the last inspection. Additional Information None. Action Plan Failure to submit an appropriate action plan within the required timescale, including any agreed extension, where requirements and recommendations have been made, will result in SCSWIS re-grading the Quality Statement within the Management and Leadership Theme as unsatisfactory (1). This will result in the Quality Theme for Management and Leadership being re-graded as Unsatisfactory (1). Aberdeen Supported Living Services, page 16 of 18

5 Summary of grades Quality of Care and Support - 5 - Very Good Statement 1 Statement 3 5 - Very Good 5 - Very Good Quality of Staffing - 5 - Very Good Statement 1 Statement 3 5 - Very Good 5 - Very Good Quality of Management and Leadership - 5 - Very Good Statement 1 Statement 4 5 - Very Good 5 - Very Good 6 Inspection and grading history Date Type Gradings 30 Aug 2012 Unannounced Care and support 4 - Good Staffing 4 - Good Management and Leadership 4 - Good 24 Aug 2011 Unannounced Care and support 5 - Very Good Staffing 4 - Good Management and Leadership Not Assessed 21 Jul 2010 Announced Care and support 5 - Very Good Staffing Not Assessed Management and Leadership 4 - Good All inspections and grades before 1 April 2011 are those reported by the former regulator of care services, the Care Commission. Aberdeen Supported Living Services, page 17 of 18

To find out more about our inspections and inspection reports Read our leaflet 'How we inspect'. You can download it from our website or ask us to send you a copy by telephoning us on 0845 600 9527. This inspection report is published by the Care Inspectorate. You can get more copies of this report and others by downloading it from our website: www.careinspectorate.com or by telephoning 0845 600 9527. Translations and alternative formats This inspection report is available in other languages and formats on request. Telephone: 0845 600 9527 Email: enquiries@careinspectorate.com Web: www.careinspectorate.com Aberdeen Supported Living Services, page 18 of 18