Archived: Oakmere

Updated 20 September 2017

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This inspection took place on 16 and 17 August 2017 and was announced.

The provider was given 48 hours’ notice because the location provides support to people in their own homes and we needed to be sure that someone would be in.

This inspection was completed by one inspector.

Before the inspection, the provider completed a Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.

In addition we asked the local authority and Healthwatch for any information they had which would aid our inspection. Healthwatch is an independent consumer champion, which promotes the views and experiences of people who use health and social care services. We used this information as part of our planning.

We visited seven people in their own homes. In addition we spoke with three care staff, the registered manager and the operations director.

We looked at the care and support plans for three people including assessments of risk and records of medicine administration. We confirmed the safe recruitment of two staff members.

Updated 20 September 2017

This service is provided by SOS Homecare to people living at Oakmere which offers extra care housing where people have their own individual apartments. They provide personal care and support to 35 older people; people with learning disabilities; physical disabilities; people with mental health needs and complex needs. Staff are available on site over 24 hours, seven days a week. They also provide on call support from senior carers.

At the last inspection the service was rated good. At this inspection we found the service remained good.

People continued to be safe from the potential harm of abuse or ill-treatment as staff knew how to recognise and respond to such concerns. People were supported by enough staff to meet their needs. People were assisted with their medicines safely.

The provider followed safe recruitment procedures when employing new staff members.

Staff members had the training and skills to meet people’s individual needs. Staff members were supported by a management team in order to complete their job.

People had care and support plans that were personal to them and reflected their individual needs and preferences. Staff members knew the people they supported well.

People were supported to have choice and control over their lives. Staff were aware of current guidance which directed their practice and people’s individual rights were protected by the staff who supported them.

People received support that continued to be caring and kind. People had their privacy and dignity respected by those supporting them. People were supported by staff members when they felt upset or worried.

Staff members knew people’s support needs and assisted them in the manner they preferred. People and their relatives were encouraged to raise any concerns or complaints. The provider had systems in place to address any issues raised with them.

The management team were approachable and supportive. People receiving services from SOS Homecare felt involved and their suggestions were valued by the provider.

Staff members felt valued as employees and their opinions and ideas were listened to by the provider. The provider had systems in place to monitor the quality of service and where necessary made changes to drive improvements.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.