Two services helping adults across Swindon live more independently have received a ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), following an inspection in September.
Swindon Borough Council’s Shared Lives and Reablement services have been recognised for the support they provide to residents, including people recovering from illness, injury or a stay in hospital.
Inspectors found that the services were performing well across the areas assessed, with some people needing less care and support by the time they finished receiving help.
The result is another positive assessment for the council’s adult social care provision, following a separate ‘Good’ judgement for its wider Adult Services earlier this year.
Helping Swindon residents regain their independence
The council’s Reablement service works with adults aged 18 and over who need additional support following a period of illness, injury or hospital treatment.
Rather than simply providing ongoing care, the service aims to help people rebuild the skills and confidence needed to manage everyday activities themselves.
This can include getting dressed, preparing meals, moving safely around the home and gradually returning to normal routines.
For someone who has spent time in hospital, even familiar tasks can become difficult. Reablement support is designed to help residents regain those abilities where possible, reducing the need for longer-term assistance.
The inspection highlighted that people using the service were often able to leave with fewer care requirements than when they first started.
Shared Lives offers a different approach to adult care
The council’s Shared Lives service provides another option for adults who need care and support but may benefit from living in a family environment.
The scheme matches individuals with approved carers who welcome them into their own homes and communities.
Support is arranged around each person’s circumstances, with the aim of helping them develop confidence, build relationships and take part in everyday activities.
Unlike more traditional residential care arrangements, Shared Lives offers a home-based approach where individuals can become part of family and community life.
The service can be particularly valuable for people who need ongoing support but want to maintain as much independence and personal choice as possible.
Both services aim to help people remain connected to their communities while receiving the assistance they need.
Council welcomes inspection findings
Councillor Vinay Manro, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, welcomed the rating and praised the staff and carers involved.
“This is a fantastic result and a reflection of the high standards our residents rightly expect from adult social care services,” he said.
“Helping people maintain their independence and live fulfilling lives in their communities is at the heart of what we do.”
Councillor Manro said the Reablement team plays an important role in helping residents rebuild confidence after illness or hospital treatment, while Shared Lives carers provide a more personal, family-based form of support.
He also acknowledged the work involved in maintaining standards across both services.
“While we are always looking to improve, this rating recognises the dedication, professionalism and compassion shown by our teams every day in helping residents achieve the best possible outcomes.”
The Cabinet Member thanked staff and carers for their contribution, describing the result as recognition of the care provided to residents and their families.
Another positive result for Swindon’s adult social care
The latest inspection follows an earlier assessment of Swindon Borough Council’s wider Adult Services, which also received a ‘Good’ rating.
Although the inspections assess different aspects of adult social care, the council says the findings reflect its work to help residents receive appropriate support while maintaining their independence.
For families arranging care for a relative, services such as Reablement and Shared Lives can provide alternatives to more traditional care arrangements.
The council has said it will continue looking for ways to improve its services, despite the positive inspection outcome.
The full inspection findings can be accessed through the Care Quality Commission website, where information about registered care services and their ratings is published.
