Background to this inspection
Updated
2 November 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 homes.
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 48 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 the 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. The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report.
During the inspection
We spoke with nine relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with eight members of staff including the regional support manager, registered manager, care co-ordinator, supervisor and care staff.
We reviewed a range of records. This included seven people’s care records and medication records. We looked at two 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 training records and supervision records.
Updated
2 November 2021
About the service
Christchurch Care at Home is a domiciliary care agency that was providing personal care to 48 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 told us they felt safe. Staff understood how to recognise signs of abuse and understood the actions needed to keep people safe. Risks to people were assessed, monitored and regularly reviewed. Staff were knowledgeable about the actions needed to reduce the risk of avoidable harm. Staff recruitment processes ensured applicants were suitable to work with older people. There were enough staff, with the right skills, to meet people’s needs. People had their medicines administered safety. Infection, prevention and control practices were in line with current government guidance.
Assessments had been completed gathering information about people’s care needs and choices. Any equipment needed was in place and in good working order. Staff received an induction, on-going training and support, that enabled them to carry out their roles effectively. Staff understood the health issues people lived with and worked alongside other professionals to ensure effective care. 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 spoke positively about the care they received and felt involved in decisions. Staff understood the importance of respecting people’s privacy and independence. People described staff as kind, caring and respectful.
People received care that reflected their needs, choices and lifestyle. Staff knew people well, which meant they were able to recognise and respond to their changing care needs. People and their families had an opportunity to be involved in end of life planning, ensuring their last wishes, spiritual and cultural needs were known. A complaints process was in place that people felt able to use if needed. Records demonstrated the process had been used appropriately in line with the organisation’s policy.
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 effective at improving outcomes for people. Partnerships with other agencies supported new ideas and provided up to date national guidance supporting best practice.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
This service was registered with us on 8 July 2020 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.