Salford City Council's Shared Lives Carers (SLC) service has been recognised as an exemplary care provider in a recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection.
The CQC, the independent regulator of health and social care services in England, rated the service as "Good" across all five categories assessed: safety, effectiveness, caring, responsiveness, and leadership.
The SLC service at Salford City Council offers long-term placements, short breaks and day time support within the homes of dedicated carers, providing much-needed support for individuals who have a range of needs as a result of conditions including autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities and dementia. At the time of the inspection, approximately 100 individuals benefited from this service.
The CQC report highlighted several commendable aspects of the SLC service. First, it noted that individuals using the service are supported to have maximum choice and control over their lives, with staff ensuring support is provided in the least restrictive manner. The service also actively encourages individuals to pursue their interests and engage in meaningful activities within their local communities.
Additionally, the report recognised the service's commitment to person-centred care, emphasising the importance of respecting individuals' human rights and ensuring their support plans are tailored to their specific needs and preferences. While the report recommended archiving historical records to facilitate easier access to accurate information, it commended the service's dedication to providing the right care.
The CQC also highlighted the service's leadership and partnership working, commending the strong collaboration between Salford City Council and other professionals. The report acknowledged the support and listening ear provided to the shared lives carers while recommending clearer documentation of quality monitoring systems.
This positive evaluation of Salford Council's Shared Lives Carers service by the CQC is a testament to the dedicated and compassionate efforts of the staff and carers involved. The council and its partners remain committed to continual improvement.
Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, said: "We are incredibly proud of our Shared Lives Carers service's recognition from the recent CQC inspection. The 'Good' rating in all categories demonstrates the high level of care and support our dedicated team provides to individuals in our community. This service plays a crucial role in improving the lives of individuals living with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities and dementia, offering them a safe and nurturing environment within the homes of our skilled carers. We will continue working closely with our partners to build on this success and ensure that everyone accessing the service receives the best possible care and support tailored to their needs."
Deputy City Mayor, Councillor John Merry, said: "We are immensely grateful to the shared lives carers who dedicate their time and love to providing exceptional care for the individuals in our community. Their selfless commitment and unwavering support have contributed to the outstanding success of Salford Council's Shared Lives service. We extend our deepest gratitude to these remarkable individuals for their invaluable contributions to improving the lives of those in need."
To read the full report, please visit the CQC website.