Archived: Care Assist in Harrow (Kings Road)

Updated 7 March 2018

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked 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.

The inspection took place on 15 January 2018 and it was unannounced. The inspection team consisted of one inspector. Before our inspection, we reviewed information we held about the home. This included notifications from the home, complaints received and reports provided by the local authority. The provider completed and returned to us 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.

There were five people living in the home. We spoke with four people who used the service, one relative and a healthcare professional. We spoke with the registered manager, deputy manager and three care workers. We received further feedback from two social care professionals and a healthcare professional.

We looked at the kitchen, medicines cupboard, communal areas, garden and people’s bedrooms. We reviewed a range of records about people’s care and how the home was managed. These included the care records for four people, four staff recruitment records, supervision, training and induction records. We checked the audits, policies and procedures and maintenance records of the home.

Updated 7 March 2018

We undertook this unannounced inspection on 15 January 2018. Care Assist in Harrow (Kings Road) is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. The Care Quality Commission [CQC] regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. Care Assist in Harrow (Kings Road) is registered to accommodate a maximum of six people. On the day of this inspection there were five people living in the home with mental health needs.

At our last comprehensive inspection on 26 January 2016 the service met the regulations we inspected and was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

People who used the service informed us that they had been treated with respect and dignity. The service had arrangements to protect people from harm and abuse. Care workers were knowledgeable regarding types of abuse and were aware of the procedure to follow when reporting abuse. Risks assessments had been carried out and risk management plans were in place to ensure the safety of people. The service followed safe recruitment practices and sufficient staff were deployed to ensure people’s needs were met. There were suitable arrangements for the administration of medicines and medicines administration record charts (MAR) had been properly completed.

The premises were kept clean and tidy. Infection control measures were in place. There was a record of essential maintenance and inspections by specialist contractors. Fire safety arrangements were in place. These included weekly alarm checks, a fire risk assessment, drills and training. Personal emergency and evacuation plans (PEEPs) were prepared for people to ensure their safety in an emergency.

The service worked with healthcare professionals and ensured that people’s healthcare needs were met. The dietary needs of people had been assessed and arrangements were in place to ensure that people received adequate nutrition.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is required by law to monitor the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. DoLS ensure that an individual being deprived of their liberty is monitored and the reasons why they are being restricted are regularly reviewed to make sure it is still in the person’s best interests. We noted that the home had suitable arrangements in place to comply with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and DoLS.

Care workers worked well as a team and there was effective communication amongst them. They had received a comprehensive induction and training programme. There were arrangements for staff support, supervision and appraisals.

Care workers prepared appropriate and up to date care plans which involved people and their representatives. People were encouraged to be as independent as possible and to engage in various activities.

The service listened to people who used the service and responded appropriately. There were opportunities for people to express their views and experiences regarding the care and management of the home. Complaints made had been recorded and promptly responded to.

Comprehensive checks and audits of the service had been carried out by the registered manager and the deputy manager to ensure that the service provided care of a good quality.