At the last comprehensive inspection in March 2016, the service was rated Good. At this announced inspection on 22 April and 2 May 2018, we found the service remained 'Good'.
This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last comprehensive inspection.
Age UK Northamptonshire provide dedicated support to people who are thought to be in the last eight weeks of their life and who wish to die in their own home. At the time of our inspection the service were supporting 14 people.
Staff had a good understanding of what safeguarding meant and the procedures for reporting abuse. People had risk assessments in place to cover any risks that were present within their lives, but also enable them to be as independent as possible. All the staff we spoke with were confident that any concerns they raised would be followed up appropriately by the registered manager. Staffing levels were sufficient to meet people's current needs. The staff recruitment procedures ensured that appropriate pre-employment checks were completed to ensure only suitable staff worked at the service.
Medicines were managed safely. The processes in place ensured that the administration and handling of medicines was suitable for the people who used the service. Staff were trained in infection control, and supplied with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to perform their roles safely. Arrangements were in place for the service to reflect and learn from complaints and incidents to improve safety across the service.
People’s needs were assessed and their care was provided in line with up to date guidance and best practice. People received care from staff that had received the right training and support to carry out their roles. Staff were well supported by the registered manager and one to one supervisions and observations of their practice took place.
Staff supported people with dietary choices to maintain their health and well-being. Staff supported people to attend appointments with healthcare professionals and worked in partnership with other organisations to ensure that people received coordinated and person-centred care and support.
People's consent was sought before any care was provided and the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 were met. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service support this practice
Staff treated people with kindness, dignity and respect and spent time getting to know people. People were happy with the way that staff provided their care and support and they were encouraged to make decisions about how they wanted their care to be provided.
People were listened to, their views were acknowledged and acted upon and care and support was delivered in accordance with their assessed needs and wishes. Records showed that people were involved in the assessment process and their on-going care reviews. There was a complaints procedure in place to enable people to raise complaints about the service.
The service worked in partnership with other agencies to ensure quality of care across all levels. Communication was open and honest, and any improvements identified were worked upon as required.
The service had an open culture that encouraged communication and learning. People, relatives and staff were encouraged to provide feedback about the service and this was used to drive continuous improvement. The provider had quality assurance systems to review all aspects of the service to drive up improvement.