Background to this inspection
Updated
12 June 2021
The inspection
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
Inspection team
This inspection was carried out by one inspector and an Expert by Experience. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.
Service and service type
This service is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own houses and flats.
Notice of inspection
This inspection was announced. We gave the service 48 hours’ notice of the inspection and provided an explanation as to the inspection process, and to assure ourselves effective implementation of COVID-19 guidance when visiting the office.
The inspection activity started on 17 May 2021 and ended on 19 May 2021. We visited the office on 18 May 2021.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since it was registered. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspection.
We sought feedback from the local authority and Healthwatch. Healthwatch is an independent consumer champion that gathers and represents the views of the public about health and social care services in England. We used all this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with two people who used the service and six relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with five members of staff including the provider, registered manager, and care workers. We reviewed a range of records. This included four people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
After the inspection
We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data and quality assurance records. We received feedback about the service from the local authority who commissions and monitors the quality of care provided.
Updated
12 June 2021
About the service
The service provides care and support to people living in their own homes. At the time of the inspection there were 13 people using the service.
Not everyone who used the service received personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People’s safety was promoted. People felt safe with the staff and the care and support provided. Potential risks to people’s safety had been assessed, managed and monitored to ensure their needs were met.
People were supported by staff to take their medicines and have a healthy and balanced diet where this was included in their package of care. People had access to health care services when needed. Staff worked in partnership with health care professionals to promote people’s good health.
Staff recruitment processes were followed. There were enough staff to support people and provide the care they needed. Systems were in place to ensure staff were fully trained to meet people’s needs. Staff had completed safeguarding training, recognised the signs of abuse and knew how to report concerns of potential abuse or poor practice.
People’s consent was gained by staff before any care was provided. Decisions made by people about how they wished to be cared for were reflected in their support plans. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People received person centred care. People were supported by reliable, kind and caring staff who they trusted. A small team of staff provided care and support to people, which promoted consistency and continuity of care. Staff promoted people’s independence and respected their rights, privacy and dignity. Staff knew people well and respected their lifestyle choices and culture.
People and their relatives were actively involved in the development of their support plans. These were personalised, reviewed and updated as people’s needs and wishes changed.
The provider had systems in place to monitor and improve the quality and safety of the service provided. This included systems to support staff with regular supervision and training to maintain their training and knowledge. People’s views about the service were sought individually and through satisfaction surveys. Everyone we spoke with told us the registered manager and provider were approachable and they were confident concerns would be addressed.
The registered manager was aware of their responsibilities in meeting their legal obligations. They kept their knowledge up to date and were part of the local social care forums. The registered manager worked in partnership with health and social care professionals. They showed commitment and welcomed feedback to improve the quality of care people received and the overall service.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the date the service was registered. This service was registered with us on 19 July 2019 and this is the first inspection.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.