Archived: Pilgrim Care

Pilgrim Care provides personal care services for people living in their own apartments within a purpose built supported living housing complex close to the town centre of Mirfield in West Yorkshire. On the day of our inspection a maximum of twenty people were receiving support with personal care.

The service had a registered manager in place. 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.

Staff had received training in safeguarding vulnerable people and were aware of their responsibilities in keeping people safe. Risk assessments were in place and, where appropriate these recorded the details as to how people were assisted with their mobility needs. Where equipment was no longer appropriate, staff took action to get the persons needs reviewed.

There was a procedure in place to ensure the service recruited safely and reduce the risk of employing people who were may be unsuitable to work with vulnerable adults.

There were policies in place to ensure the safe management of medicines. Staff were assessed to ensure they competent to administer peoples medicines safely.

People told us staff had the skills to meet their needs. New staff received training and support to enable them to the standards expected of them. Staff received regular supervision and assessment of their performance.

Staff understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Where a person lacked capacity to consent to their care and support we saw a capacity assessment had been completed.

The complex had an onsite restaurant which was available during the day and people could choose to eat their lunchtime meal there. Where people required support with eating and drinking, this was recorded in their care plan.

People told us staff were kind and caring. People’s care plans included a summary of their life history. Staff were able to clearly explain the steps they took to maintain people’s privacy and dignity.

Care plans were person centred and recorded a breakdown of the tasks staff were to compete at each call. Care plans were reviewed and updated as people’s needs changed.

People told us they were satisfied with the service but they were aware of how to complain should the need arise. Everyone we spoke with gave positive feedback about the service. Staff were proud of the organisation they worked for and the service they provided.

There were systems in place to monitor the quality of service delivered to people.

Care and treatment was planned and delivered in a way that was intended to ensure people's safety and welfare. People using the service told us told us: "The carers are very good I have nothing to criticise." and "I could not be in a better place, the carers are always smartly dressed, polite and friendly."

People were protected from the risk of infection because appropriate guidance had been followed. People were cared for in a clean, hygienic environment.

People were cared for by staff who were supported to deliver care and treatment safely and to an appropriate standard.

The provider had an effective system to regularly assess and monitor the quality of service that people receive.

At the time of our visit, the total number of care staff currently employed by the provider including the manager was nine to care for 14 people using the service. We were able to speak with two people who use the service, three visiting relatives and four members of staff. One person using the service told us 'I am in the best place, they are really good here. I enjoy going to the activities when the staff take me. I have my button to press when I need help or assistance'.

The relative of another person using the service told us 'It's an absolutely brilliant service. If I had any concerns, the staff are very approachable. They help with lots of things and go above and beyond what they have to do, they really care'. One member of the care staff told us 'this is a great place, one of my relative's lives here and they love it'.