25 November 2015
During a routine inspection
This announced inspection was carried out between the 25 November 2015 and the 5 December 2015.
Creative Support Services provides care in people’s own homes. At the time of the inspection there were 55 people using the service.
The service had employed a new manager who had started the application process with the Care Quality Commission to become the registered manager. 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.
During the last inspection carried out on the 23 January 2014 all regulations inspected were met.
People felt safe using the service and staff were aware of their duty of care to the people they supported. People were protected from avoidable risks and harm. Staff were provided with training to recognise and respond to potential signs of abuse.
The provider ensured safe recruitment procedures were followed, this included Disclosure and Barring checks (DBS) and references. New staff had a period of induction along with a period of shadowing of more experienced staff.
There were sufficient staff available to visit people in their own homes, in a timely manner, and to meet people’s needs. The manager and care coordinator appropriately matched staff to the people they cared for.
People were prompted and supported to take their medicines at the correct time. Records of people’s medicines were kept and audited monthly by the manager to ensure the correct recording was carried out.
Staff participated in training and supervision; they understood their roles and responsibilities in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).
Where appropriate, staff ensured families were kept up-to-date regarding the health and welfare of their relative. Staff assisted people to contact their health and social care professional when it was necessary.
People saw staff as kind, caring and compassionate. Staff cared for people in a manner that promoted and respected people’s privacy and dignity. People felt the staff listened to them and understood their views, values and choices.
People or their representative were involved in decisions their care. People’s care plans contained information on how each person wanted to be assisted and supported. Care plans were reviewed and updated to reflect current wishes and needs.
There was a system of auditing, reviewing and evaluating the quality of the service provision. Staff were provided with support, supervision and appraisal periodically from the manager. Staff felt well supported by the manager, who understood their duties and responsibilities.