Archived: 60 Holmes Rd

Updated 23 July 2016

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check 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 inspection took place on 27 June 2016. The provider was given 24 hours' notice because the location provides a domiciliary care service. The inspection was carried out by one inspector.

Prior to the inspection we reviewed the information we held about the service. This included information sent to us by the provider about the staff and the people who used the service. Before the inspection the provider completed a Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and any improvements they plan to make.

We spoke with one professional involved with the service and two relatives to obtain their views.

During the inspection, we spoke with three people who use the service. With permission we visited two people within their own homes during which we spoke with one person who uses the service.

We spoke with the registered manager, director of services and chief executive. We also spoke with the deputy manager, two support co-ordinators, a community support leader and three support workers.

We reviewed the care records of two people who used the service, four staff records and records related to the management of the service.

Updated 23 July 2016

This inspection took place on 27 June 2016. This was an announced inspection and the provider was given 24 hours' notice. This was to ensure that someone would be available at the office to provide us with the necessary information to carry out an inspection. When we last inspected this service on 25 February 2014 we found the service met all the regulations we looked at.

The Camden Society offers support to people with a learning disability at their own home or in the community. At the time of the inspection the service was providing personal care to four people; three in their own homes and one in a supported living scheme.

The service has a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are 'registered persons'. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People and relatives told us they felt safe. Procedures and policies relating to safeguarding people from harm were in place and accessible to staff. All staff had completed training in safeguarding adults and demonstrated an understanding of types of abuse to look out for and how to raise safeguarding concerns.

Detailed current risk assessments were in place for people using the service. Risk assessments in place were reviewed and updated regularly. The risk assessments explained the signs to look for when assessing the situation and the least restrictive ways of mitigating the risk based on the individual needs of the person. People were supported to take positive risks.

Medicines were managed safely and effectively and there were regular medication audits in place. Staff had completed medication training and the service had a clear medication policy in place which was accessible to staff. Risk assessments specific to medicines were in place for people who were supported to take medicines.

We saw friendly, caring and supportive interactions between staff and people and staff knew the needs and preferences of the people using the service.

Care plans were person centred and reflected what was important to the person. Care needs are regularly reviewed and updated to meet the changing needs of people who use the service.

We saw evidence of a comprehensive staff induction and on-going training programme. Staff were also safely recruited with necessary pre-employment checks carried out. Staff had regular supervisions and annual appraisals.

All staff had received training on the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and staff understood what to do if they had concerns as regards people's mental capacity. These safeguards are there to make sure that people are receiving support are looked after in a way that does not inappropriately restrict their freedom. Services should only deprive someone of their liberty when it is in the best interests of the person and there is no other way to look after them, and it should be done in a safe and correct way.

People are supported to maintain good health and have access to healthcare services.

The service regularly requested feedback from people who use the service.

People were encouraged and supported to access the community and engage in a wide range of activities of their choosing.

The management team enabled an open culture that encouraged staff and people to discuss issues and ideas.

The provider had an effective and comprehensive quality monitoring system to ensure standards of service were maintained and improved.