We undertook an announced inspection on 20 June 2018 of Dream Community Personnel Limited (Woolwich). This service is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own houses and flats. It provides a service to older adults. At the time of the inspection, 14 people were using the service. This was the service’s first inspection since their registration on 27 June 2017.
There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission [CQC] 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's health and social care needs had been assessed. Care plans were person-centred, and specific to each person and their needs. People’s care preferences, likes and dislikes were documented. Care plans were regularly reviewed and were updated when people's needs changed.
Systems and processes were in place to help protect people from the risk of harm. Risks to people were identified and managed so that people were safe. Staff had received training in safeguarding adults and knew how to recognise and report any concerns or allegations of abuse. Staff followed appropriate infection control practices. Systems were in place to make sure people received their medicines safely. Accidents and incidents were recorded. Management staff had taken action to reduce the chances of incidents happening again.
Records showed any necessary action and lessons learnt had been taken by management staff and measures put in place to minimise the risk of reoccurrence and ensure people were safe from further incidents
There were sufficient numbers of suitable staff to support people to stay safe and meet their needs. Staff had been carefully recruited and provided with induction and training to enable them to support people effectively. They had the necessary support, supervision and appraisals from management.
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 we spoke with had an understanding of the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA).
The service worked in partnership with other agencies and people were supported to have access to healthcare services. People were supported with their nutritional and hydration needs.
There was a management structure in place. Staff spoke positively about working for the service. Staff told us that they received up to date information about the service and had an opportunity to share good practice and any concerns they had at team meetings.
There were systems in place to monitor and improve the quality of the service. Feedback about the service was also sought through questionnaires. Feedback was positive about the service people received. There were procedures for receiving, handling and responding to comments and complaints in a timely manner.