Background to this inspection
Updated
7 September 2017
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 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 10 August 2017 and was announced. The provider was given 48 hours' notice because the location provides homecare services and we needed to be sure that someone would be available in the office. One inspector carried out this inspection.
We looked at the information we held about the provider and this service, such as incidents, unexpected deaths or injuries to people receiving care, including safeguarding matters. We reviewed any notifications that the provider had sent us. Statutory notifications are incidents or events that providers must notify us about. We asked the local authority if they had any information to share with us about the services provided. The local authority is responsible for monitoring the quality and funding for some people who used the service. Additionally, we received information from Healthwatch, who are an independent consumer champion who promote the views and experiences of people who use health and social care.
Prior to the inspection the provider had sent us a Provider Information Return (PIR) before the inspection. A PIR is a form that asks the provider to give key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. This helped us to plan the inspection.
We spoke with five people and two relatives of a people who used the service by telephone. We spoke with the providers, one who was also the registered manager, and the other general manager, two care staff the administrator and one health professional. We looked at three records about people's care, three staff recruitment files, staff training records, and surveys completed by people who used the service. We also looked at the service audits and checks the general manager and registered manager had completed.
Updated
7 September 2017
The provider registered this service with us to provide personal care and support for people in their own homes. At the time of the inspection there were 40 people receiving care and support services.
There was a registered manager in post. 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 were protected from the risk of potential abuse and told us they felt safe in the company of staff because of the way staff supported and cared for them. Plans to manage people's individual risks were assessed, and identified in a way which promoted people's safety. There were enough staff employed to care for people and chat to them so they did not become isolated. Staff supported some people to take their medicines. Some people had requested staff just reminded them to take their medicines and this had been done.
Staff had the skills and knowledge to care for people effectively. Staff received regular training based on the needs of people using the service. Staff knew the histories and preferences of the people they were supporting and provided care in a way that meet individual people's needs. People had been involved in making decisions about how their care was delivered on a daily basis, and through their assessments, care planning and care plan reviews.
People were encouraged to make choices about the food they ate and staff knew if they had any dietary requirements. People were supported by staff to maintain their health and well-being.
People's consent was appropriately obtained by staff when caring for them. If people's ability to make decisions changed, the registered and deputy manager had involved people's relatives and other professionals, so that care would continue to be delivered in the best way for people.
People received care from staff who took time to get to know them. People had developed good relationships with staff that were caring. Staff supported people to maintain their dignity and people had confidence staff respected their right to confidentiality.
The registered manager, general manager and staff met regularly with people to check they were receiving care in the way they wanted. People and their family members were encouraged to give verbal and written feedback on the quality of the service. The registered and general manager made sure regular checks were completed to monitor the quality of the care. Staff members were aware of and implemented the values demonstrated by the registered and general manager.