Background to this inspection
Updated
6 May 2021
The inspection
This was a targeted inspection to check on a specific concern we had about infection prevention and control measures in place at the service.
Inspection team
This inspection was completed by one inspector.
Service and service type
This service is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own houses and flats.
The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.
Notice of inspection
We gave a short period notice of the inspection. This was because we needed to be sure that the provider or registered manager would be available to support the inspection.
Inspection activity started on 14 April 2021 and ended on 16 April 2021. We visited the office location on 14 April 2021.
What we did before inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority. The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We visited one housing scheme where people received care to complete observations. We spoke with two members of staff including the registered manager and a field care supervisor.
We reviewed a range of records. This included staff training records and competency checks. Records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were also reviewed.
Updated
6 May 2021
About the service: Caremark (Hatfield &Welwyn) is a domiciliary care service that is registered to provide personal care to people living in their own homes in the community. At the time of our inspection 48 people were being supported with personal care.
People’s experience of using this service:
People were very happy with the support they received. They felt safe and well supported by staff who were king and caring.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. Staff were aware of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and how it related to people who used the service.
Relatives told us the service was reliable and delivered the support needed for people to live in their own homes.
Care plans were developed and gave guidance for staff in how people wanted their needs met and what their likes and dislikes were.
People told us they had confidence in staff and the management to raise any issues and these were listened to. The service was flexible and accommodated people`s changing needs.
The registered manager developed good working relationships with other health and social care professionals so when people`s needs changed there was effective communication between all involved.
Staff told us they had training and support to understand how to carry out their roles effectively. They knew their responsibilities in regard to safeguarding and confidently described the reporting process internally and externally to local safeguarding authorities.
The registered manager and provider closely monitored the quality of the service provided. They carried out audits and surveys to ensure people were happy with the support they received.
Rating at last inspection: This was the first inspection of this service since registering with the Care Quality Commission on 16 March 2018.
Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection.
Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk