This was a targeted inspection to check on the specific concern we had about infection control. We will assess all of the key question at the next comprehensive inspection of the service.

Inspection team

This inspection was undertaken by one inspector.

Service and service type

Lifeways Community Care (New Barnet) is a domiciliary care agency providing support to people with learning disabilities, acquired brain injuries, physical disabilities, autism and mental health needs who live in their own home or within supported living schemes. At the time of the inspection the service was supporting 12 people with their personal care..

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

This inspection was announced. We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection visit because we needed to know that the registered manager would be available to support the inspection process.

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 visited the registered office and spoke with the registered manager.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the settings managers to validate evidence found. We reviewed the providers infection prevention and control policy, infection control audits and other documentation related to the management of COVID-19 risks.