The inspection took place on 8 and 9 August 2018 and was announced.This service is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own houses and flats in the community. It provides a service to people with a learning disability, physical disability and older adults. This service also provides care and support to people living in ‘supported living’ settings, including three flats and three houses, so that they can live as independently as possible. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for supported living; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support.
Not everyone using Adka Independence receives a regulated activity; CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with 'personal care'; help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also take into account any wider social care provided. At the time of our inspection 14 people were receiving a regulated activity.
At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.
Staff continued to protect people from avoidable harm, were knowledgeable about safeguarding and able to raise concerns. Staff supported people to manage their medicines safely.
People were supported by regular staff which provided continuity of care. Steps had been taken to ensure suitable staff were employed, who were supported in their role and were skilled in providing effective care.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
Staff communicated with people effectively dependent on their individual needs. Staff knew people well and were able to provide support in a person-centred way. People were supported to maintain their independence and their privacy and dignity were respected.
People’s care plans were kept up to date and reflected their individual needs and circumstances. People were supported to follow their interests and live their lives as they chose to. Staff assisted people to access college, community services and pursue social and leisure activities.
People were able to make a complaint if needed and their feedback was gathered to help drive improvement. Systems were in place to identify shortfalls and ensure quality care was provided. There was a positive culture within the service and people felt managers were approachable.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.