Updated 20 August 2024
The assessment began on 4 September 2024 and ended on 10 September 2024. Choice Independent Living is a domiciliary care agency providing personal care to people in their own home. At the time of our assessment, the service supported 53 people, most of whom were being cared for at the end of their lives. This was the first assessment since the service registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Staff said they enjoyed working for the service and felt well supported by the management team and registered manager. There was support available for staff if they were affected by supporting people at the end of their life. Staff were able to raise any issues with the management team and felt listened to. Risks people may face were identified and guidance provided in the care plans. Staff were made aware of people’s support needs before they made their first visit to them. Tasks for each call were identified and staff recorded when these had been completed. Staff were safely recruited. We discussed with the registered manager about verifying the references received. Staff received the training for their role. Team leaders were completing additional training so they themselves could train the staff team in moving and handling, medicines and basic life support. Governance systems were in place and any actions identified had been completed. The governance system was in the process of being formalised as the service grew. Team leaders had been introduced to support the staff team and complete initial assessments. Senior care staff were also being introduced to provide additional support for the staff team. Feedback from commissioning partners was very positive, saying Choice Independent Living were responsive when new people required support, the care plans captured people’s needs and communicated well if there were any changes in people’s assessed needs.