Background to this inspection
Updated
8 March 2024
The inspection
We carried out this inspection under section 60 of the Health and Social Care 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory function. We checked whether the provider met 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 team consisted of 1 inspector.
Service and service
The service is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own homes.
Registered manager: this provider must 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 for compliance with regulations. At the time of our inspection, a registered manager was not in post. The Care Quality Commission had received an application for the person to register as the manager of the service.
Notice of inspection: we gave the service 72 hours' notice of the inspection. This was because we needed to be sure that the provider or registered manager would be in the office to support the inspection.
Inspection activity started on 2 February 2024 and ended on 8 February 2024.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since their last inspection.
During the inspection, we spoke with the provider and the acting manager. We spoke with 7 relatives, 6 people using the service and 5 staff.
Updated
8 March 2024
About the service
Service for Independent Living is a domiciliary care agency providing personal care to people in their homes.
People's experience of using this service.
Not all people who used the service received personal care. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also consider any broader social care provided, people’s experience of using this service and what we found.
People were supported with their medication when required. Risk assessments were completed, and staff had appropriate training.
Staff told us they felt well-trained and supported in their role. Staff felt listened to and able to contribute to the running of the service. For example, any ideas that could improve the service for people. The managers regularly observed staff practice to ensure people were supported safely and as they chose. People were fully involved in all aspects of their care.
Staff had completed training to identify signs of abuse and escalate concerns as and when required risks to people’s health and well-being. Individual risk assessments were completed to ensure staff had the information to support people safely.
Staff identified when people were unwell or needed additional support, and referrals were made to medical professionals as required.
The service employed a recruitment manager to complete the necessary checks on new staff to ensure that only appropriate staff were employed.
Infection control measures were implemented to reduce the risk of spreading infection.
Incidents and accidents were investigated, information was used to improve, and lessons were learned. However, not all incidents were correctly coded, which meant investigations were not always relevant.
Risk assessments were completed, and the staff had appropriate training.
The managers had an open-door policy that meant staff had the opportunity
to speak with the managers if they had any concerns.
Staff had regular supervision, spot checks, and appraisals, which gave the manager and staff the opportunity to address any concerns and progress in the organisation.
Audits were carried out regularly by senior staff to monitor the service provided and assess where improvements were required.
Preventing and controlling Infection
Control measures were put in place to reduce the risk of infection spreading. Incidents and accidents were investigated, the provider ensured personal protective equipment was available. This included gloves, aprons, and masks. All staff had completed training in infection control.
People and their relatives gave positive views about the service provided and some areas for improvement. The managers welcomed feedback and used the information to improve.
Staff were provided with induction and training opportunities to provide them with the skills required to meet people's needs. The registered manager was proactive in sourcing additional training for the staff when required.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives; staff supported people in the least restrictive way possible and the best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People were treated with kindness, dignity, and compassion. Staff took the time to get to know people and encouraged them to maintain their hobbies and interests.
People’s communication needs were understood, and people told us that they felt comfortable and confident expressing their views and sharing any concerns.
People were supported with their medication when required. Risk assessments were completed, and the staff had appropriate training