Archived: Orchard Community Care Services

This inspection took place on 23 and 29 June 2015 and was announced. The provider was given short notice because the location provides a domiciliary care service and we needed to be sure that someone would be in.

Deer Park Homecare provides personal care and support to people living in their own homes in Holsworthy and the surrounding areas. At the time of our inspection there were 36 people receiving a service.

When we visited there was a registered manager in post. 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 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

Six people required staff to administer their medicines. This involved taking them from the pre-filled blister pack prepared by a local pharmacy. Staff had not received medicine training to ensure they were competent to carry out this task. The management team had recognised that staff should have this training. Staff were confident supporting people with their medicines and a community matron confirmed they had no issues with medicines. They added that staff were very good at flagging up the need for medicine reviews. When we return on 29 June 2015, medicines training had been arranged for 28 July 2015.

People felt safe and staff were able to demonstrate a good understanding of what constituted abuse and how to report if concerns were raised. Measures to manage risk were as least restrictive as possible to protect people’s freedom. People’s rights were protected because the home followed the appropriate processes.

People received personalised care and support specific to their needs. Their preferences, views and suggestions were taken into account to improve the service. They were supported to maintain a balanced diet. Health and social care professionals were regularly involved in people’s care to ensure they received the right care and treatment.

Staff relationships with people were strong, caring and supportive. Staff were motivated and inspired to offer care that was kind and compassionate.

Staffing arrangements were flexible in order to meet people’s individual needs. Staff received a range of training and regular support to keep their skills up to date in order to support people appropriately. Staff spoke positively about communication and how the management team worked well with them, encouraged team working and an open culture.

A number of effective methods were used to assess the quality and safety of the service people received.