Rutland praised for supporting vulnerable people

Key services for vulnerable people living in Rutland have been praised by independent inspectors.

The Care Quality Commission looked into the county's community support services for adults with physical and learning disabilities and found them to be good with some outstanding features.

The focus is to help people live independently in their own homes or supported living accommodation.

The inspection found that staff provide outstanding, compassionate care and encourage people to be actively involved in their community.

The care they offer is well planned and people who access the service are encouraged to make their own decisions about the support they need.

County councillor Alan Walters (Con), who is responsible for adult social care, said: “This is a really positive report and a credit to our staff, who work incredibly hard to provide the best possible standard of care for people living in Rutland.

“The professionals who make up our Community Support Services are incredibly dedicated.

"Collectively and individually, they truly care about the people they support and I’m extremely pleased that this is reflected in the CQC’s report.”

The department has a team of 30 specialist staff who support 20 people.

Their needs include dementia, eating disorders, sensory impairment, substance misuse, learning disabilities, mental health conditions and physical disabilities.

Coun Walters added: “An important part of caring for people is listening to what they want and then being willing to make changes or put new processes in place to meet their needs.

"This is key to our ability to provide genuinely personalised services that fit around individuals and support them to live fulling lives, regardless of any disability or impairment."

The council has also received praise for its Aiming High service.

The project works with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities to increase their independence and reduce stress for their families.

Part of the service includes providing access to short breaks, creating local support networks and improving parents' access to childcare.

An annual consultation about the service targeted 240 families and asked if the service is working for them and how it can be improved.

The results found 80 per cent of respondents had seen an increase in their children's independence while 70 per cent noted improved communication skills.

Eighty per cent had tried new activities as a result of the service and 70 per cent felt less stressed.

County councillor David Wilby (Con) is responsible for special educational needs and disabilities.

He said:“We’re delighted that families feel well-supported by Aiming High and will carry on working hard to make sure this good service is maintained and improved.”