The Care Quality Commission

Archived: Independent Living Centre

Northfield Farm Lane, Madley Park, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX28 1UD (01993) 899980

Provided and run by:
Guideposts Trust Limited

All Inspections

20 March 2013

During a routine inspection

Four relatives and two people we spoke with gave us positive reviews of the care. One person told us 'my carer is pleasant and does everything the way I like it. A relative said 'my uncle is happy with his care. He is very independent and they only help when he needs it'. However we found that people's care records did not provide sufficient detail to inform care workers of how individual's needs should be met. They did not provide sufficient guidance about how to manage risks effectively.

We found that people and or their representatives had not always agreed to care plans. Where people lacked capacity to make these decisions independently we found that the service did not implement its informed consent policy effectively.

The provider had recruitment and selection processes in place. However we found that the appropriate checks were not always undertaken before staff began work to ensure suitable people were employed.

We found staff did not routinely receive appropriate supervision and relevant training. The provider had recruited a new training manager and training plans were to be developed. Staff told us that team meetings provided peer support and that informal support was available.

There was an effective complaints system in place. We found people were satisfied with the way the provider responded to and resolved their concerns. One relative told us 'they looked into the issue properly and things have now improved'.

24 November 2011

During a routine inspection

We contacted a random selection of people who used the service by telephone. People we spoke with told us the service was reliable and let people know if there were to be any changes to the time or change of care staff. People we spoke with told us that they were involved in their care and that their care plan was reviewed with them. People we spoke with told us that care was relaxed and unhurried. Care staff were knowledgeable about the care plan. Unannounced visits were made by the agency to check that care was being given in line with the care plan. People knew how to complain both formally and informally and they told us that they felt concerns would be dealt with. People who previously received care from another agency told us that the quality of the care given from Independent Living was better.