Helping Hands

Updated 11 July 2018

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 was 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 inspection took place on 29 and 31 May 2018. The first day was unannounced this meant the service did not know we were coming. However, we informed staff we would be returning for a second day to complete the inspection and announced this in advance.

The inspection team was comprised of one social care inspector.

Prior to the inspection we reviewed all the information we held about the service including statutory notifications, safeguarding referrals and complaints. We reviewed information the provider sent us in the Provider Information Return. This is information we require providers to send us at least once annually to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We also liaised with external stakeholders including the local safeguarding team, commissioners and Healthwatch to see if they had any information to support our inspection planning.

As part of the inspection we spoke with, the registered manager, three members of care staff, three people who were living in the home and the relatives of two people.

We looked at the care plans for four people. We looked at other documentation held by the service including: three staff recruitment files, six medication administration records, policies and procedures and a range of records the home kept in relation to governance. We observed care practices and staff interactions in all three units.

Updated 11 July 2018

This inspection took place on 29 and 31 May 2018. The first day was unannounced, however we informed staff we would be returning for a second day to complete the inspection and announced this in advance.

Helping Hands provides domiciliary support to up to 13 people with learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities and mental health needs. The service is provided in three units called; Bath house, Milton and New Build. The service is provided over 24 hours. Staff are present in the units at all times. This model of care is known as ‘supported living’.

At our last inspection of Helping Hands in February 2017 the home was rated as ‘Requires improvement’ overall due to not meeting the regulations in relation to record keeping and staff training. At this inspection we found the service had responded effectively and there had been significant improvement in both these areas.

People had been protected from the risk of harm and abuse. Staff understood what might be a safeguarding concern and how to respond to this.

The building and utilities had been maintained to a good standard with all necessary checks and certificates in place, including; gas, electrical, legionella and fire safety equipment.

Medication was safely managed, records were up to date and provided the necessary details in relation to all prescribed medicines including topical creams and dietary supplements and thickeners.

People’s needs had been assessed and care plans developed to ensure their needs were met as they preferred. Risk assessments provided guidance on how to support people to manage the risks in their daily lives.

Staff had received an increased level of training which had provided them with the necessary knowledge and skill to meet people’s needs. Staff reported feeling they had benefited from the training available.

The service was aware of its responsibilities in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and associate Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards including in domestic settings, known as (DIDs).

Staff were seen to be caring and supported people, kindly and respectfully. People living in the service said they thought the staff were kind and caring.

People received person centred care that was responsive to their needs. Care plans were reviewed and updated regularly.

The management structure was clear and staff reported being happy with the way the service was managed, they felt the manager could be relied on to take appropriate action and was supportive and fair.

Auditing and governance systems had been improved and ensured people received care and support consistently.

Relatives reported feeling able to approach the manager at any time and felt confident they would act on any concerns they raised.