Background to this inspection
Updated
7 December 2022
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 Health and Social Care Act 2008.
Inspection team
Two inspectors and an Expert by Experience undertook the inspection. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.
Service and service type
This service is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own homes.
Registered Manager
This provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered managers and providers are legally responsible for how the service is run, for the quality and safety of the care provided and compliance with regulations.
At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.
Notice of inspection
We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection. This was because the service is small and managers are often out and we wanted to be sure there would be staff at the office to speak with us.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we had received about the service, such as notifications. These are events that happen in the service that the provider is required to tell us about.
We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke via telephone with 2 people using the service and 4 relatives, who had given us permission to contact them. We also spoke with 6 staff including; the registered manager, the assistant manager and care staff. The assistant manager is also the nominated individual. The nominated individual is responsible for supervising the management of the service on behalf of the provider.
We reviewed a range of records, including 3 people’s care records, 2 staff recruitment files, records relating to medicines, training and supervision, accident and incidents and safeguarding logs and policies and procedures for infection control. Also, a variety of records relating to the management of the service, including audits and policies and procedures were reviewed.
Updated
7 December 2022
About the service
Tameside is a domiciliary care agency providing personal care to people living in their own homes. At the time of our inspection there were 11 people using the service.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
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. Whilst we found no evidence that the service was not complying with the Mental Capacity Act (MCA), we found managers and staff knowledge relating to MCA was limited.
All required checks had not been completed prior to staff starting to work at the service. Following the inspection the registered manager told us they had completed a full audit of all staff files and confirmed all records were complete. There were sufficient staff to meet people's needs. Records showed no visits had been missed. People told us staff were usually on time and staff let them know if they were going to be late. People told us they felt safe with staff. Staff had received training in safeguarding people from abuse and procedures were in place to guide staff should they have any concerns. Staff knew how to raise concerns, but not all staff had a good understanding of safeguarding or signs of abuse. Risks to people who used the service were identified and well managed. Risks to staff or people within the environment of people’s homes had not been assessed. There were systems in place for the safe administration of medicines. Risks associated with COVID-19, and other infectious diseases, were identified and well managed.
People’s needs were assessed prior to them starting to use the service. Detailed care records were in place to guide staff on the care and support people needed. Staff had the training and support they needed to carry out their roles effectively. Following the inspection, the provider arranged additional training for staff regarding safeguarding and MCA to improve their knowledge and understanding. People were supported with their nutritional needs. People told us staff would alert relatives if they were concerned about their health and would contact medical professionals if needed.
People were well treated and their individuality was respected, they told us staff were caring. The provider and staff knew people well. Staff were described as friendly, kind, compassionate and hard working. People told us they were involved in all decisions about their care and support, and staff were polite and respectful and promoted their independence.
People received personalised care that took account of their needs, wishes and preferences. The provider was following the Accessible Information Standard. There was a system for logging and responding to complaints.
There was a range of oversight, quality monitoring and auditing. Detailed spot checks and observations of staff performance were in place. The providers placed great importance on people receiving responsive person-centred care and support. People spoke very positively about the service provided, the staff and managers. They told us the registered manager and nominated individual ran the service well and were easy to contact and very approachable.
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 28 September 2021 and this is the first inspection.
Why we inspected
This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service, the length of time since registration and to provide a rating for the service.
Enforcement and Recommendations
We are mindful of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our regulatory function. This meant we took account of the exceptional circumstances arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic when considering what enforcement action was necessary and proportionate to keep people safe as a result of this inspection. We will continue to monitor the service and will take further action if needed.
Follow up
We will request an action plan from the provider to understand what they will do to improve the standards of quality and safety. We will work alongside the provider and local authority to monitor progress. We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.