Bolton Supported Living has been rated overall ‘good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The service, run by Bolton Cares which in turn is run by the council, provides care for people aged 18 or over who live either in their own homes or shared homes.
CQC inspectors visited 12 of its supported living properties from April 29 to June 9, speaking with staff, service users and relatives.
Bolton Supported Living was given ‘good’ ratings for all five categories: safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.
A day trip (Image: Bolton Cares) The report says: “People led active lives; staff supported people to take part in activities and to pursue their interests.
“People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
“Staff carried out risk assessments and regularly reviewed these.
“People received kind and compassionate care. Staff protected and respected people’s privacy and dignity and understood and responded to their individual needs. Staff understood how to protect people from poor care and abuse.”
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Antony, Graham and Trent (Image: Bolton Cares) It adds: “There was an open and transparent culture within the management team with a clear focus on providing good care.
“People and those important to them were involved in planning their care, where possible.”
The report says that care was delivered with “compassion and respect” and found that, since the last inspection, there are now “more robust systems in place to support safety and manage risk effectively”.
It included testimony from service users and their relatives.
One user said: “I’ve just been to Tesco for my food shop on my own. I cook my own food; I’ve got a microwave and on Sunday we have a Sunday lunch. I’m happy the way I am.”
Trent at a Lego event (Image: Bolton Cares) A relative said: “[Person] is so safe with them [staff]; they’re fabulous and so caring.”
Another said, “I can’t fault [staff] at all, and [person] loves the girls [staff]; we’ve become like a family.”
Jill Lockett, Head of Service for Supported Living in Bolton, Salford and Wigan, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have received the ‘Good’ rating from the CQC.
“The improvements made within this service are testament to the commitment and dedication of our staff teams in supporting people to live safe but enriched and fulfilled lives.
“The rating is recognition of the unique person-centred care model that we have in place at Bolton Cares, and everybody should be proud of the achievement. Well done to all involved.”