Alina Homecare - Christchurch

Updated 22 July 2021

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

Inspection team

The inspection was carried out by one inspector and an Expert by Experience. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

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 the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection. This was because it is a small service and we needed to be sure that the provider or registered manager would be in the office to support the inspection.

What we did before inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since registration. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with five people who used the service and 10 relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with eight members of staff including the operations manager, quality manager, registered manager and care staff.

We reviewed a range of records. This included six people’s care records and medication records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment, training and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at quality assurance records, complaints and policies.

Updated 22 July 2021

About the service

Alina Homecare - Christchurch is a domiciliary care agency that was providing personal care to 41 older adults living in their own homes at the time of our inspection. Not everyone who used the service received personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People felt safe and were supported by staff who understood how to recognise and report safeguarding concerns. Staff recruitment processes included robust checks to ensure the person was suitable to work with older people. Risks to people were assessed, monitored and regularly reviewed and staff understood actions needed to minimise risk of harm. People received their medicines safely and infection, prevention and control practices were in line with government guidance.

People had initial assessments that gathered information about their care needs and lifestyle choices. They were supported by staff that had completed an induction and had on-going training and support that enabled them to carry out their roles effectively. People were supported to access healthcare services when needed. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People described care staff as kind, caring and patient and felt involved in decisions about their care and support. Staff were respectful of people’s privacy, dignity and independence.

People had person centred care that was reflective of their lifestyle choices. A complaints process was in place and people told us they felt able to raise concerns knowing they would be listened to and actions taken. People had an opportunity to be involved in end of life planning. Staff were confident in providing end of life care with the support of palliative care nurses.

The culture of the service was open, honest and person centred. Staff spoke positively about their work and felt supported in their roles. Quality assurance processes were multi layered and effective at gathering data to drive improvements. Partnerships with other agencies supported new ideas, innovations and up to date national guidance.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

This service was registered with us on 13 December 2019 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

This was a planned first inspection so that we could rate the service.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.