The inspection took place on 27 and 28 June 2018 and was announced. Sussex Grange Home Care provides personal care to 43 people in their own homes. They ranged in age from 59 to 99 years and had needs regarding physical health care and mental health needs This included those who were living with dementia.
At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.
At the previous inspection we served a requirement notice regarding the care plans for people as they did not contain sufficient information and guidance for staff to follow. The provider sent us an action plan of how this was to be addressed. At this inspection we found care plans included clear details regarding the procedures for providing personal care. This requirement and regulation are now met.
People told us they felt safe with the care workers. Care workers had a good awareness of safeguarding procedures and knew what to do if they had concerns about people’s safety or well-being.
Risks to people were assessed and there was guidance in care plans so that care workers were able to mitigate these.
Sufficient numbers of staff were provided so that people’s care needs were met. People said they received a reliable service and that staff arrived on time.
People received their medicines safely.
Care workers were trained in infection control and hygiene. People and their relatives confirmed care workers followed procedures to prevent the spread of infection.
Care workers were well trained and knowledgeable about relevant care matters. A range of training courses were provided including access to nationally recognised qualifications in care. The provider supported care workers to develop their skills and knowledge and to recognise good practice.
People were) supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and care workers supported them in the least restrictive way possible. The policies and systems in the service support this practise.
People received care from staff who demonstrated the provider’s values of kindness, respect, treating people as individuals, and, that people mattered. There were examples of care workers going over and beyond their role to ensure people were treated well and their quality of life enhanced.
The provider had introduced a system whereby care records were accessed by care workers, and, people if they wished, on an IT system. Care workers accessed this on smart phones. This enhanced the access to information for staff and people and allowed the provider to monitor care was being provided as agreed with people.
The provider excelled in providing a service which went above and beyond what was agreed with people. This included supporting people to access the community and social groups facilitated by the provider. This helped reduce the social isolation of people.
The provider had an effective complaints procedure.
Whilst there were no people in receipt of end of life care the provider had policies and procedures for this as well as access to staff who were experienced in this.
The culture of the service was open and transparent. People and their relatives felt able to raise any issues or concerns. The provider worked well with other agencies to ensure care needs were met and information regarding current care procedures was updated.