Background to this inspection
Updated
6 November 2018
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
This inspection took place on 23 July 2018 and was announced.
We gave the provider two days' notice of the inspection site visits. This was to enable staff to ask for people's consent to a home visit from an inspector. We needed to be sure that someone would be available to speak with us.
The inspection team consisted of one adult social care inspector.
We used information the provider sent us in the Provider Information Return (PIR) to plan the inspection. The PIR is information we require providers to send us at least once annually to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.
We contacted the local authority commissioning and safeguarding teams to gather feedback about the service. We visited the provider's office and spoke with the acting manager, the regional manager and a care co-ordinator.
We looked at two people's care records, medication records, two staff recruitment and training files and a selection of records which included; maintenance and repairs, quality assurance and fire safety records. We visited one person in their own home and observed care staff interacting with them.
Updated
6 November 2018
Stamford Bridge DCA (Domiciliary Care Agency) provides personal care to some people living in their own or rented accommodation within an assisted living complex. People can choose to use some of the facilities from the neighbouring nursing home which is on the same site. At the time of this inspection there were 17 people living in the complex and two of those were receiving a regulated activity.
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.
Systems were in place to assess and monitor the quality of the service provided. People told us they were happy with the level of care and support provided by staff, which met their needs.
People were kept safe from harm and abuse. Policies and procedures were updated regularly and staff understood how to identify abuse and report it. Risks to people were identified and managed to prevent people from receiving unsafe care and support.
The service was staffed to meet the needs of people using the service. People received their medication as prescribed and in a safe way. One health professional had identified that a person self-administering their medicines had missed taking their evening dose on one occasion. We discussed this with the provider and they were following this up with the relevant people involved.
Recruitment policies were in place and checks were completed prior to employment which, ensured people were of a suitable character to work in a care setting.
The service had suitable measures in place to prevent and control infection.
Staff received an induction to the service to enable them to carry out their role and understand their responsibilities. Staff had the right competencies and skills to meet people's needs and undertook regular training. Staff received regular supervision and an annual appraisal to support them.
People's nutritional and hydration needs were met. Staff assisted with preparing meals and made sure people had adequate fluids throughout the day.
People were supported by staff when they needed to attend healthcare appointments. Appropriate referrals were made to health professionals who supported people's health and well-being.
Staff supported people to have maximum choice and control of their lives, in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service support this practice.
People were treated with care, kindness, dignity and respect. People received care and support that considered their needs and preferences. Staff were knowledgeable and understood people's
care needs.
Care plans reflected how people would like to receive their care and support, and covered people’s diverse needs, such as their religious needs and preferences.
People knew how to make a complaint and were confident it would be dealt with appropriately. No-one was currently receiving end of life care.
Further information is in the detailed findings below