A CARE service providing community support for a wide range of learning and mental health needs has been rated 'Good' in its first Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection.

Shared Lives Cumbria, based in Jubilee House on Abbey Road, Barrow, provides a community alternative to residential care for adults living with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, sensory impairment, or dementia.

An inspector visited the organisation's office on August 3, gathered views of relatives and carers between August 15 and 23, and rated the service 'Good' in all aspects of the assessment - Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-led.

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The inspection focused on people who received personal care (help with personal hygiene and eating) from the service, of which there were 15.

The inspection report said: "People had fulfilling and meaningful lives because support focused on their strengths and promoted what they could do. 

"Relatives and shared lives carers told us people had gained skills and independence. 

"One shared lives carer told us: '(Person) has moved on now to live independently in the community. We still keep in touch though.'"

Focusing on the 'Right Care' criteria, the report stated: "People received kind and compassionate care from their Shared Lives carers. 

"Shared Lives carers protected and respected people's privacy and dignity. 

"They spoke about people with respect and were proud of the skills they had gained. 

"One shared lives carer told us:

'I am learning more from (people supported) than they are learning from me.'

On the key question of ensuring that dietary needs are fully met, the report said:  "People received support to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced diet. 

"They were involved in choosing their food and planning and preparing their meals.

"One relative told us: '(Carer) asked (relative) what her favourite food was, which is sausage and chips - they've planned to have that next time (relative) visits."

"People could have a drink or snack at any time, and they were given guidance from their shared lives carers about healthy eating."

The report also praised the service for encouraging independent living:

"People's care records included information about the activities and hobbies they liked to take part in.

"One relative told us: '(Relative) gets the opportunity to do different things they wouldn't do at home - (carer) gets (relative) to do as much as they can for themself when they are there.'"

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