Background to this inspection
Updated
22 July 2023
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 Health and Social Care Act 2008.
Inspection team
The inspection was completed by 1 inspector and 1 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.
Registered Manager
This provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered managers and providers are legally responsible for how the service is run, for the quality and safety of the care provided and compliance with regulations.
At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post, who was also the nominated individual for the service. The nominated individual is responsible for supervising the management of the service on behalf of the provider.
Notice of inspection
We gave a short period notice of the inspection. This was because it is a small service and we needed to be sure that the provider or registered manager would be in the office to support the inspection.
Inspection activity started on 7 July 2023 and ended on 18 July 2023. We visited the location’s office on 11 July 2023.
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 (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. We used information gathered as part of monitoring activity that took place on 8 November 2022 to help plan the inspection and inform our judgements. We used all this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with 4 people’s relatives to seek their views on the care and support provided. We spoke with 3 staff members including the registered manager, the care manager and 1 care worker. We also sent out written surveys and received and reviewed responses from 5 further care workers. We reviewed 4 people’s care plans and risk assessments, including medication records where relevant. We looked at 2 staff recruitment files. A variety of policies, procedures and other documents relating to the management and oversight of the service were also reviewed.
Updated
22 July 2023
About the service
Colchester HomeCare Ltd North Essex Branch is a home care agency providing personal care to people in their own homes. The service provides support to people with physical disabilities, mental health conditions, older people and those living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 6 people using the service.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People received safe care and support. The provider ensured potential risks were assessed, monitored, and mitigated. Staff understood their safeguarding responsibilities. Recruitment practice confirmed staff were suitable for the role. Medicines were given safely and as prescribed. Staff employed good infection prevention and control practice.
Staff received an induction, training, and supervision. Competency assessments were completed to ensure effective practice in the field; however, this was not documented in sufficient detail. We have made a recommendation on documenting competency assessments in line with national best practice guidance. The service completed assessments when people joined the service. People were supported to eat enough to maintain a balanced diet.
Staff were caring, kind and compassionate, and showed genuine interest and warmth when supporting people. Care plans documented people’s protected characteristics. People’s privacy, dignity and independence was respected. The provider organised care to meet people’s needs and preferences, and in a way which respected their values and beliefs.
The service was responsive and flexible, adapting to people’s changing needs. Staff understood people’s communication needs, so information was shared in an accessible way. The provider responded openly to complaints, using the information to drive improvement. Staff supported people with end-of-life care, to ensure a dignified death.
The registered manager ensured good oversight of the service through daily involvement and review of electronic systems. There were clear plans and ambitions in place to develop and embed further systems and processes for quality assurance. There had been investment in the service, including the use of an external consultant and hiring a care manager and administrator to support growth. The service worked in partnership with people, those important to them, and other relevant health and social care professionals.
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.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 6 May 2022, and this is the first inspection.
Why we inspected
This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service.
Recommendations
We have made a recommendation on documenting staff competency assessments in line with national best practice guidance.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.