8 July 2015
During a routine inspection
This inspection took place on 8 July 2015 and was announced. Sevacare Lincoln provides personal care in people’s homes to adults of all ages with a range of health care needs. There were approximately 150 people using the service at the time of the inspection and the service was providing approximately 1500 hours of care a week.
At the time of our inspection the service did not have a registered manager. The provider was in the process of making an application to the Care Quality Commission for a 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.
People said they felt safe with the care they received. Staff had completed safeguarding training and had access to guidance. They were able to recognise if people were at risk and knew what action they should take.
People had risk assessments. Where risks had been identified there were plans to manage them
effectively. Staff understood risks to people and followed guidance. Staff were alert to changes in people’s usual presentation. They recorded incidents and reported them.
There was usually sufficient staff to provide people’s care. Recruitment checks ensured that people were protected from the risk of being cared for by unsuitable staff.
People’s care was provided by staff who were sufficiently trained and supported. Staff undertook medicines training and were observed by senior staff delivering care. Staff had received an induction when they started employment with the provider and completed further training relevant to people’s needs and were supported to undertake professional qualifications. Systems were in place to support staff and monitor their work.
The provider acted in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA), where people lacked the capacity to consent to their care relevant guidance had been followed. People told us staff treated them with dignity and respect. People’s needs in relation to nutrition and hydration were documented. Care plans were personalised and people were supported to maintain their choices. Care plans were updated.
Staff felt supported by the new leadership and the manager ensured people had information and support to make complaints. Where complaints were made they were investigated and actions taken in response.
The majority of people told us there were good communications from the office and they knew who to speak with. People’s feedback on the service was sought through reviews. Staff were encouraged to speak with the office about any concerns they had about people’s care.