Drops of brilliance - outstanding support
Drops of brilliance - outstanding support
This section contains information on what a Flourishing Life might look like. Some of it is taken from inspection reports conducted by the regulator, the Care Quality Commission, during 2021 and 2022. The CQC examples all come from care and support that was rated outstanding for people with learning disabilities. Some examples come from participants in the research.
Managing risk
The provider supported people to have full and meaningful lives by using imaginative or innovative ways to manage risk, while supporting people to stay safe. People achieved over and above what they, their family or professionals thought they could. Everyone we spoke with told us this happened because staff had a positive enabling attitude towards people and truly listened to what people wanted. They then made sure risks involved were lowered as much as possible and supported people safely to take positive risk and achieve what they aspired to. Hand in Hand | CQC report August 2022
Fulfilling wishes
The service had therefore taken a proactive step to ensure people maintained a varied social life, as they were aware of the importance of this to people's emotional wellbeing, whilst minimising the risk to people's health. People accessed activities culturally appropriate to them. A person had a great interest in Indian music. Staff found out that there was a person playing sitar and who was performing locally. They arranged and supported the person to watch a performance and to later meet the Sitar player. The person was very happy that they had this opportunity to fulfil one of their many wishes. Church House | CQC report August 2022
Having a job
One person's providers supported them to secure a part-time job at a local shop. The person was delighted as they never thought they would be able to do this. Their quality of life has improved significantly. Durham Shared Lives | CQC report December 2022
One person talked to us about their job at a local charity shop and how this created a sense of belonging to the local community wider than the peer group at home. Cavendish | CQC report July 2022
Zoom calls
Staff were committed to enabling people to socialise, develop and maintain relationships. Staff supported people to visit friends and family outside of the home. During COVID-19 restrictions, staff were inventive with how they supported people to continue to pursue their interests. For example, one person regularly played the piano in stately homes; due to COVID-19 this wasn't possible, so the staff arranged a zoom call with the owner of a local stately home for the person's birthday. The person told us, "It was absolutely brilliant, I couldn't believe it was happening and I've been invited to go and play the grand piano there." Spinney Hill House | CQC report December 2021
Everyone could share their views
Staff used people's preferred communication methods to ensure everyone could share their views. For example, some people were confident in speaking up in meetings, others filled in questionnaires or had meetings in private with staff or the registered manager. We found that people's feedback was always listened to and their views, wishes and requests were taken seriously and implemented. Hand in Hand | CQC report August 2022
Cooking
People were supported to have a balanced diet, with enough to eat and drink. People were involved in every aspect of their diet and took turns to cook an evening meal every week for each other. Woodhouse Cottage | CQC report February 2022
Other people told us the management team would come in at weekends to cook food for everyone and staff organised 'lockdown parties', in line with COVID-19 guidance. Photographs showed people thoroughly enjoying themselves Warwick Manor | CQC report December 2021
Remembering
He likes to be reminded of things from his past, so he really loves photographs, particularly photos where he’s in it. He will just carry old photos around in his hands or sometimes position them all in a row and look at them and things and talk, on repeat, about family members. So, he might carry a photo round of me and tell us that Jenny misses her brother. Jenny misses her brother, ‘cause, I tell him how much I miss him. Jenny | Michael’s sister
Birthday cake
Also when we were supporting Louise, me and my son, he loves baking and we baked some lemon cakes and we just put little note in a bag saying “it’s my birthday, from Louise, enjoy this.” My goodness, we were having people knocking on the door with cards and just wishing a happy birthday and it took half an hour to do and just made a little note and stuck it on the gift bag, a dozen gift bags, a couple of pounds, done. Carla | Support Worker
Understanding needs
Parents and carers trusted staff to understand the needs of the children and young people. Parents were assured by the effectiveness of the service. One parent said, "The best bit is that my child is safe and well looked after. I can go to the shop and walk the dog. They (staff) listen to me when I need a rant." ROC Support Network | CQC report November 2021
One relative told us their loved one had previously had a number of placement breakdowns, which had been very difficult for them and the family, they said, "They literally saved us, they have provided consistency and put the person at the heart of everything they do, [Person's name] is now living a good life and doing things that other young people enjoy". The provider had specifically recruited a staff team who would be able to partake in the activities and lifestyle this person chose to enjoy. Support'ed | CQC report November 2021
Being known
The bartender at the pub that we go to, she knows, she knows exactly what we, Tim wants, a pint of Carlsberg. Emily | Support Worker
Leadership
There was a very positive culture within the service, built on mutual trust, respect and fondness between staff and people. People were encouraged and supported to achieve their goals and dreams. Rose Farm House | CQC report December 2021
Likes and dislikes
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. People received care that was based on their individual needs and preferences. Staff supported and encouraged people to access activities they liked. Family members spoke positively about the impact these activities had on their relative's social skills and communication. AJ and Friends | CQC report November 2021
like and dislikes
