The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated Maximus Support Services Ltd, in Shanklin, Isle of Wight, outstanding, following an inspection carried out in April.
Maximus Support Services Ltd is a home care agency, run by a company of the same name and supports people with mental health needs, autistic people, and people with learning disabilities in their own homes. At the time of the inspection, 13 people were receiving personal care.
CQC carried out this inspection as the service had not previously been inspected or rated.
CQC has rated Maximus Support Services Ltd outstanding for being caring, responsive and well-led, and good for being safe and effective.
Neil Cox, CQC’s deputy director of operations in the Isle of Wight, said:
“When we inspected Maximus Support Services, we found a service where people weren’t just receiving care, but were being supported to build meaningful, fulfilling lives.
“What stood out most was the quality of the relationships between staff and the people they supported. Staff knew people exceptionally well and treated everyone as an individual, responding to their preferences, moods and goals with real compassion and flexibility. We saw a member of staff rearrange an entire room so someone could sleep where they felt most comfortable, that kind of thoughtful, person-centred response tells you a great deal about the culture of a service.
“Leadership was a real strength at Maximus. Managers were visible, approachable and led by example, creating a culture where staff felt confident to speak up and where learning was genuinely embedded. External professionals described staff as going above and beyond, particularly when supporting people through crisis or complex transitions that other services had struggled with.
“Overall, this is a service others should look to as an example of what outstanding care looks like, and the people being supported here are fortunate to have a team so committed to helping them thrive.”
Inspectors found:
- Staff built highly personalised, bespoke packages of care for people with complex histories or previous placement breakdowns, helping them rebuild confidence and improve their quality of life where other services had been unable to meet their needs.
- The service responded rapidly to urgent referrals and crisis situations, including supporting people to move from hospital into community settings, reducing the risk of unnecessary or out-of-area placements.
- Staff supported people to pursue their own goals and aspirations, working with them on short, medium and long-term plans that reflected individual ambitions not just care needs.
- Maximus supported people to access their local communities, including using public transport and community facilities, helping them stay socially connected regardless of the complexity of their needs.
- Staff encouraged people to direct their own care, including changing plans, refusing support and making everyday choices about their routines with staff adapting flexibly and respectfully in response.
The report will be published on CQC’s website in the coming days.
Contact
For media enquiries:
- John Scott, senior regional media and communications advisor – 07789 875 809 or john.scott@cqc.org.uk
- Alternatively, you can email regional.comms@cqc.org.uk
Journalists wishing to speak to the press office outside of office hours can find out how to contact the team on the website.
