18 November 2016
During a routine inspection
This service is a domiciliary care agency which provides personal care and support to people in their own homes who have a variety of needs. The service is managed from an office located in Boldon. At the time of this inspection 25 people were using the service.
The service had a registered manager who had been in post since 2013. 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.
Systems were in place to identify, assess and manage risks to people. Processes were in place to protect people who were receiving care or support from harm. Staff had been given regular training in safeguarding and were clear about their responsibilities to recognise and report any incidents of abuse. Staff received Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) training as part of their induction.
Recruitment practices at the service were thorough, appropriate and safe so only suitable people were employed. Staff received appropriate training to meet the needs of the service. Staff felt supported and received regular supervision to discuss performance and personal development.
People’s dietary needs were respected with support given where necessary. Care plans were personalised and reviewed regularly. Relatives felt involved in their family member’s care and attended review meetings. Relatives made many positive comments about the service. For example one relative commented, “The best thing is they talk to my dad and they ask if there is anything else they can do.”
People’s care records and risk assessments showed us that people were encouraged to be as independent as possible. People’s health care needs were acknowledged and contact was made with other health care professionals when necessary.
We saw that systems were in place for recording and managing safeguarding concerns, complaints, accidents and incidents. Relatives we spoke to knew how to make a complaint. Information was available in picture form on how to make a complaint. Records were kept along with any immediate actions taken which showed the service responded to behaviours and lessons were learnt from such events to reduce risk.
Relatives and staff told us the organisation was well run and the service was well managed. Staff told us they felt the service was open and approachable. The service had an auditing system in place. These were carried out at regular intervals to check the performance of the service and to make continuous improvements.
Regular meetings were in place for staff to raise concerns and issues on a regular basis. The provider held a bi monthly engagement forum which was attended by delegates from each area of the service.
The registered manager submitted statutory notifications in a timely manner. Personal records were held in line with data protection.