Archived: Richmond Village Nantwich DCA

We spoke with three members of the domiciliary care agency (DCA) and two people who used the service. We spoke in detail with the registered manager and her deputy. We also met with an external trainer. After the inspection day itself we attempted to speak with four further service users by telephone, but people using services were not always willing or able to speak with us.

On the day of inspection we reviewed policies, care records, medication records, staff personnel files and staff training records together with a range of other relevant documentation. We observed that people were treated with respect and service users confirmed to us that they were consulted about and involved in their own care.

People told us that they were happy and satisfied with the care and support that they received. One person who used the service told us, 'AlI the staff are very good. They are kind and help me with all I need." We saw that medication was managed correctly. Staff appointment and management procedures were followed and proper records made which helped to keep people safe. Training, support and supervision enabled staff to deliver care to an appropriate standard. People's health, welfare and safety were monitored.

We looked at the skills of staff in relation to the identification of and prevention of abuse. Staff were given appropriate training and support to help to safeguard service users.

People who used the service told us that staff 'were always very respectful'. We saw that the relationships between staff and people who used the agency were warm, friendly and that people were relaxed in the company of staff.

People who used the service told us that they maintained regular contact with their families, either through visits or by telephone.

The staff we spoke with were aware of the care needs of the people they were supporting and how these needs should be met.

We looked at the personal files for two of the people who used the service. We saw that individual risk assessments were in place and covered areas such as risk of falls, medication, environment and handling finances.

People who used the service told us that they felt secure living in the village and that they had no worries about their safety. Information provided by the manager during this inspection told us there were policies and procedures in place to safeguard people who used the service from harm or possible abuse.

The information seen during our inspection showed that recruitment policies and procedures were in place.

We saw copies of information about the service that was given to people when they relocated to the village. This included information on how to make complaints and who to complain to.