Background to this inspection
Updated
13 October 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.
As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.
Inspection team
The inspection was carried out by one inspector.
Service and service type
Dignity in Life Ltd is a 'care home'. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
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 24 hours’ notice of the inspection. This was because the service is small and people are often out and we wanted to be sure there would be people at home to speak with us.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. 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 three people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with two members of staff including the registered manager and a senior support worker
We reviewed a range of records. This included three people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at one staff file in relation to recruitment 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 data and quality assurance records.
Updated
13 October 2021
About the service
Dignity in Life Ltd provides accommodation and support for up to six young people with mental health issues. At the time of the inspection there were six people using the service.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
At the last inspection we made a recommendation about managing medicines and this was complied with. Medicines were managed safely at the home.
People told us they felt valued and cared for and they were supported to be actively involved in all decisions regarding their care. People said their dignity was respected and they were able to have privacy when they needed it. Support was person-centred and people’s preferences were respected. Staff communicated well with people who used the service. People were supported to participate in activities and keep in touch with loved ones. A positive culture was promoted and people were comfortable to discuss anything with staff.
There were appropriate systems in place to help safeguard people from the risk of abuse. Individual and general risks were assessed and monitored by the service. Health and safety measures were in place at the home. Staff followed all required infection prevention and control policies and procedures. The premises were clean and tidy.
Staff were recruited safely and there were sufficient staff to ensure people’s needs were met. There was a thorough induction programme for new staff and regular training courses were attended throughout people’s employment.
People’s needs were assessed prior to admission and updates made to documentation whenever needs changed. The service had regular contact with other agencies and health and social care professionals to help ensure people’s care and support was effective.
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.
Required notifications about significant events were completed and sent to CQC. There was an appropriate complaints policy and procedure. The registered manager was aware of the need to be open and honest. We saw a number of internal audits and checks within the home. Any issues identified were addressed appropriately, to help ensure continued good standards. The service worked well with other agencies and health and social care professionals.
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 CQC on 27 June 2019. We carried out a focused inspection (published 9 October 2020) in the areas of Safe and Well-led. No overall rating was given at the time as all five domains were not looked at.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection to look at all five domains and to rate the service.
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.
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.