Archived: Ainsworth Care

Not everyone using Ainsworth Care receives regulated activity; CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with ‘personal care’; help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating.

At our last inspection we rated the service good in safe, effective, responsive and well-led and outstanding in caring. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns.

This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

Further information is in the detailed findings below

The registered manager is also the provider for this location.

The service was safe. Staff received training about safeguarding and were competent to report any concerns they had. People were supported to take their medicines safely by competent staff that were trained, and received competency checks to ensure best practice. There were enough staff to deliver people their support at a time they wanted. Safe recruitment practices were in place to employ suitable staff. Staff understood the importance of good infection control and wore appropriate equipment provided to keep people safe.

The service was effective. New staff completed induction and training to meet people’s needs effectively. Staff had access to regular supervision and meetings. The registered manager and staff worked in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) principles, staff understood the importance of promoting people’s choice. People care needs were assessed and reviewed. Staff supported people with their nutritional and hydration requirements.

The service was caring. Staff knew people well and staff cared for them in a compassionate way. Staff respected people’s privacy and dignity and supported people to maintain relationships. Staff delivered care that was supportive, kind and caring. People were involved in deciding how their care was provided.

The service was very responsive. People`s needs were assessed to ensure people received the support they required. People and relatives where appropriate, confirmed they were involved with their care reviews. People received support that promoted their independence and staff supported people with end of life care. People were supported to raise concerns and complaints if required. There was an electronic call monitoring system to ensure people received their calls at the appropriate time for them.

The service was well-led. Staff understood their roles and responsibilities. The registered manager was clear about their vision and values for the service and what they wanted to achieve. There were effective systems to monitor the quality of the service, identified issues were actioned. Regular surveys and quality checks were completed to ensure people’s views were sought.

Staff told us they were very well supported and that any concerns they reported were actioned by the senior staff immediately.

We found that the care plans and associated records were up to date and reflective of people's needs and wishes.

People's care plans gave clear guidance for staff to follow to support people with their eating and drinking to minimise the risks of malnutrition and dehydration.

We found that the service had robust systems in place for the administration of medication so that the risks of people not having their medication at the correct time were minimised.

We found that the service had robust recruitment procedures in place and that staff were provided with a range of training events to ensure they had the appropriate skills to support people in their own homes. The service had an effective complaints procedure in place for people to use if required.