Background to this inspection
Updated
31 October 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 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.
This was a comprehensive inspection. It took place on 12 and 19 July 2017 and both days were announced. The provider was given 48 hours’ notice because the location provides a domiciliary care service and we needed to be sure that there would be staff in the office.
The inspection was carried out by one adult social care inspector. The provider completed a Provider Information Return (PIR) in February 2017. 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.
We looked at the information in the PIR and also looked at other information we held about the home before the inspection visit.
This included records relating to delivery of care to individual people, including detailed risk assessments, care plans and medication records for three people. We also looked at three staff recruitment folders and a range of quality assurance checks and audits.
During the inspection we spoke with 10 members of staff, either face-to-face or on the telephone. This included the registered manager, the deputy manager, the care coordinator and an administrator. We also spoke with six people who received a service, two health and social care professionals and one relative.
Updated
31 October 2017
West Devon and District Care and Support Limited is a domiciliary care agency which operates in rural West Devon. It provides personal care to people in their own homes. At the time of the inspection, 30 people were receiving a personal care service.
At the last inspection, the service was rated Good overall. At this inspection, we found the service remained Good overall.
Why the service is rated good:
People confirmed that they felt safe with care staff. One person said, “I feel completely safe with them.” Staff understood how to safeguard people from abuse. Risk assessments were carried out to enable people to retain their independence and receive care with minimal risk to themselves or others. The service had safe recruitment practices which helped protect people from unsuitable staff. People were supported to receive their medicines safely and as prescribed.
People continued to receive effective care and support from staff. A comprehensive training programme ensured staff had the knowledge and skills to enable them to support people effectively. People confirmed they were always asked for consent before receiving care. Staff were aware of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and worked within its legal framework.
People continued to praise the agency for providing a very caring service. One person said, “They’re always nice and willing and always treat me with respect. I’d give them 20 out of 20.”
People and their families confirmed that the service remained outstanding in their responsiveness to individual needs. The agency worked closely with other services to ensure that people’s needs and preferences were always met. Health and social care professionals confirmed how flexible the agency was. One professional said, “They always try and accommodate what the client wants… I find them incredibly helpful.” There had been one minor complaint since the previous inspection.
The service remained well led. A committed management team worked alongside care staff, leading by example and setting a high standard. They were well respected by staff. The quality of the service was under regular review using a range of effective monitoring systems.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.