13 January 2015
During a routine inspection
This inspection took place on 13 January 2015. The service received 24 hours notice of our intention to inspect the service. This is in line with our current methodology for inspecting domiciliary care agencies.
The service provides care and support to people in their own home. On the day of our inspection 29 people were being supported.
The service had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
Everybody we spoke with was positive about the care provided. People who used the service spoke highly of the care provided by staff and the management. People were particularly complimentary about the way new care staff were introduced to them before they began providing care.
People were supported by a small number of consistent staff who were familiar with their individual needs and preferences. There were enough properly trained and well supported staff to effectively meet people’s care and support needs. Staff knew people well which meant they could identify any changes in a person’s health or support needs.
People were encouraged to express their views about the way their care was delivered. This included face to face meetings with the management team, by telephone or in a written survey. They told us that they were confident that any issues they raised would be effectively addressed.
The service worked closely with local specialist support services to ensure people received the most effective care. They responded promptly to changes in people’s care needs to ensure appropriate support was provided.
The service had a clear management structure. People who received services, relatives and staff felt comfortable about sharing their views and talking to the registered manager or director if they had any concerns or ideas to improve the service provided. Staff demonstrated a good understanding of their role.