Archived: Care UK Lancashire DCA

We noted that Care UK Lancashire DCA had taken over another Care service 'Living Ambitions'. Office staff and documentation consisted of a mixture from both organisations.

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, speaking with people who used the service, care staff, the manager and from looking at records. If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary please read our full report.

Is the service safe?

People we spoke with who used the service who were able to talk with us told us they felt safe and well looked after. We observed that where care plans recommended, people who used the service were encouraged to wear protective head gear to protect themselves from head injury in the event of falls and were not being put at unnecessary risk.

We found that safeguarding procedures were in place and staff understood how to protect people they supported. Staff we spoke with had a good understanding of their roles. They were confident in reporting any concerns and they felt well supported by the manager of the service.

We found that staff had received the support and training they needed to ensure that they managed people's medication safely. Systems were in place that protected people who used the service from the risks associated with the unsafe use and management of medication.

Recruitment practices adopted by the service were robust. Policies and procedures were in place, to make sure staff recruited were suitably qualified and trained to meet people's needs.

Is the service effective?

The health and personal care needs of those who used the service had been thoroughly assessed with a range of people including relatives involved in their care and support. Much of this documentation was in an easy to read format so that people who used the service could understand it.

We observed staff interact with people who used the service and saw that staff met people's needs in a friendly and relaxed manner. People who used the service were provided with a range of activities from shopping to trips out and walks in local parks.

Is the service caring?

We spoke with four people who used the service. We asked about the care they received. Where they were able to speak with us feedback was all positive. People told us staff were caring and they were happy.

From our observations and from when we spoke with staff it was clear that they genuinely cared for the people they supported.

We looked at care files for people who used the service and found that information was recorded in a person centred way. Risk assessments were in place and files contained sufficient information for staff to meet the needs of people who used the service.

Is the service responsive?

People's preferences, interests, aspirations and diverse needs had been recorded and care and support had been provided in accordance with people's wishes.

We observed that staff responded to people well by anticipating their needs appropriately. Care plans contained a detailed description of people's likes and dislikes. We saw that these had been reflected in the environment within the homes and in particular people's rooms.

Is the service well-led?

Care UK Lancashire DCA had taken over another Care service 'Living Ambitions'. Office staff and documentation consisted of a mixture from both organisations. Meetings were taking place to compare all paperwork and records to adapt and merge the best systems from both organisations to ensure future continuity of care.

People who used the service and their relatives completed an annual satisfaction survey sent out by the parent organisation. Where shortfalls or concerns were raised these were acted upon by the service.

The manager held regular staff meetings. Checks and audits were carried out by the senior staff in the homes occupied by people who used the service. In turn senior management conducted checks and audits to ensure that these had been carried out effectively.

Records showed that identified problems and opportunities to change things for the better were addressed promptly by means of an action plan. As a result, the quality of service provided was continuously monitored.