Salford City Council’s Shared Lives Carers (SLC) service has been hailed as an exemplary care provider in a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The CQC, the independent regulatory body for health and social care services in England, awarded the SLC service a “Good” rating across all five assessed categories: safety, effectiveness, caring, responsiveness, and leadership.
The SLC service, provided by Salford City Council, offers long-term placements, short breaks, and day support within the homes of dedicated carers. It provides much-needed assistance to individuals with a range of conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, and dementia. At the time of the inspection, approximately 100 individuals were benefiting from this service.
The CQC report highlighted several commendable aspects of the SLC service. Firstly, it noted that individuals using the service are empowered to make choices and have control over their own lives, with staff ensuring support is provided in the least restrictive manner. The service also actively encourages individuals to pursue their interests and participate in meaningful activities within their local communities.
Furthermore, the report acknowledged the service’s commitment to person-centred care, emphasising the importance of respecting individuals’ human rights and tailoring support plans to their specific needs and preferences. While the report recommended archiving historical records to improve access to accurate information, it commended the service’s dedication to delivering the right care.
The CQC also praised the service’s leadership and collaboration with other professionals, highlighting the strong partnership between Salford City Council and external stakeholders. The report recognized the support provided to 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 committed and compassionate efforts of the staff and carers involved. The council and its partners remain dedicated to ongoing improvement.
Deputy City Mayor, Councillor John Merry, commented: “We are extremely grateful to the shared lives carers who selflessly dedicate their time and love to providing exceptional care for individuals in our community. Their unwavering support has 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.
