Lomack Healthcare provides personal care to people who have a learning disability, in their own homes. At the time of our inspection, care was provided to three people who lived together in one house and another two people who lived together in another house.
The inspection took place on 7, 8 and 9 September 2015.
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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
During our previous inspection in June 2013, we found the provider was meeting all the standards that were assessed.
People were protected from abuse. Staff were knowledgeable about the risks of abuse and knew how to respond appropriately to any concerns to keep people safe.
Systems were in place to ensure that people’s safety was effectively managed. Risks had been assessed and were detailed clearly within people’s care plans. Staff used these to assist people to remain as independent as possible
There were sufficient numbers of staff employed to meet people’s assessed needs and provide a flexible service. Staff were only employed after the provider carried out robust pre- employment checks.
Systems were in place to ensure that medicines were administered and handled safely.
Staff received an appropriate induction and on-going training. They were knowledgeable about their roles and responsibilities and had the skills and experience required to support people with their care needs.
We found people’s rights to make decisions about their care were respected. Where people did not have the mental capacity to make decisions, processes were in place to protect them from unlawful restriction and decision making.
People’s nutritional needs had been assessed and they were supported to make choices about their food and drink.
People were supported to attend health appointments when required and to see health and social care professionals as and when required.
Staff treated people with kindness, respect and compassion and cared for them according to their individual needs. People received care from staff that respected their views and maintained their privacy and dignity.
Care plans were detailed and provided staff with sufficient guidance to provide consistent care. People and their relatives were involved in making decisions about their care. Staff had a good understanding of people’s needs and preferences
Staff supported and encouraged people to develop and maintain hobbies, interests and relationships.
People and their relatives were encouraged to express their views on the service and provide feedback both formally and informally.
People knew how to make a complaint if they needed to, and were confident that the service would listen to them. The registered manager investigated and responded to people’s complaints in accordance with the provider’s complaints procedure.
We found that a system of audits, and reviews were used to good effect in monitoring performance and managing risks.
The service benefitted from good leadership and staff were positive in their desire to provide good quality care for people. The registered manager demonstrated a clear vision and set of values based on person centred care and independence.