Archived: Carter House

We found the following examples of good practice

The service ensured that visitors to the service followed current guidance in relation to infection prevention and control and wore suitable personal protective equipment, such as masks, when visiting people in their own homes.

Staff reassured people throughout the pandemic and provided them with the support they needed to maintain regular contact with family and friends through the use of technology.

Staff followed shielding and social distancing rules and encouraged people to maintain social distancing where able to. Where social distancing was not possible due to the level of care required, staff followed correct guidance in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

The service was not currently admitting people into the service however, this was being reviewed by the registered manager and local authority to look at safe ways to enable this.

There was a good stock of the right standard of PPE and staff used and disposed of it correctly. Managers shared Infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance, updates and good practice across the staff team. Current IPC and PPE procedures were clearly visible across the service.

Under current guidance for domiciliary care services, staff and people are not required to access regular COVID-19 testing. However, the provider was in the process of reviewing this and looking at ways to support staff and people to access this service.

Carter House in an Extra Care Service. This service provides care and support to up to 18 older people living in specialist 'extra care' housing. Extra care housing is purpose built or adapted single household accommodation in a shared site or building. The accommodation is rented and is the occupants own home. People's care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for extra care housing; this inspection looked at people's personal care and support service. At the time of this inspection 15 people were using the service.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

The registered manager and staff were passionate about providing people with a ‘home for life’ and supported them to remain as independent as possible whilst ensuring they were safe and well looked after. People and family members spoke highly of the caring approach of staff and the registered manager. Family members described the staff team as always willing to go the extra mile to make sure their loved ones were happy.

Staff were motivated to deliver care in a person-centred way based on people’s preferences and likes. People felt listened to and told us staff always had time to sit and chat with them. Family members told us staff were keen to offer them additional support where needed.

People told us they felt they received care from staff that made them feel safe and were confident they were well looked after. Family members were reassured that their loved ones were safe. Staff showed a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities of keeping people safe from harm. Risks to people had been assessed and those identified were managed safely by competent staff. Where people required support with medication this was managed safely; people and family members confirmed that medication was received at the right times. Where required, people had access to appropriate equipment and were supported to ensure their homes remained safe.

Sufficient numbers of suitably qualified and skilled staff were deployed to meet people’s individual needs. Staff were available 24 hours a day and people told us they were always quick to respond to any support they needed. Staff had received a range of appropriate training and support to enable them to carry out their role safely and effectively.

People’s needs and choices were assessed and planned for. Care plans identified intended outcomes for people and how they were to be met in a way they preferred. People received support to maintain good food and drink intake and their healthcare needs were understood and met. Care was delivered in a personalised way and in line with information recorded in people’s care plans.

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. Staff supported people to access the community and attend local events to encourage social interaction and independence.

People and family members spoke positively about the management of the service; family members told us the registered manager was always approachable and supportive of them and their loved ones when needed. Effective quality assurance systems were in place to check the quality and safety of the service.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

This service was registered with us on 16 August 2018 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the date of registration of 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.