Archived: Independent Care

Updated 21 October 2017

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check 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.

The inspection took place on 13 and 15 September 2017 and both days were announced. The inspection team consisted of two adult social care inspectors. The provider was given notice before our visit and advised them of our plans to carry out a comprehensive inspection of the service. This is because the location provides a domiciliary care service and we needed to be sure that a senior member of staff would be in the office to provide information we would require as part of the inspection process.

Before the inspection, we asked the provider to complete a Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.

Prior to the inspection we contacted the local authority to seek their views about the service. We were not made aware of any concerns about the care and support people received. We also considered information we held about the service, such as notifications in relation to safeguarding and incidents which the provider had told us about.

As part of the inspection we spoke with two people who used the service, four relatives of people using the service, two care workers, the registered manager, the quality and compliance coordinator, the care coordinator and the company secretary.

We also reviewed a sample of people’s medicine records, four care files, staff recruitment records, staff training and development records, records relating to how the service was being managed such as records for safety audits, and a sample of the services operational policies and procedures.

Updated 21 October 2017

This was an announced inspection which took place on 13 and 15 September 2017. The inspection was announced to ensure that the registered manager or another responsible person would be available to assist with the inspection visit.

We last inspected the service in May 2016 when we rated the service as requires improvement. At that time we found the service was in breach of four regulations of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, these related to safe care and treatment, governance and staffing.

Following that inspection the provider sent us an action plan which detailed the improvements they planned to make. This inspection was to check improvements had been made following the last inspection and to review the ratings.

At this inspection we found that improvements had been made and the requirement actions had all been met.

Independent Care is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to provide personal care and support to people living in their own home. At the time of our inspection 48 people were using the service and being supported in meeting their care needs.

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 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People and their relatives spoke highly about the service and said their experiences had been positive. The management team and staff were described as, “Really caring”, “Very professional” and “Very loving, sensitive and thoughtful.”

Care workers were aware of their responsibilities in protecting people from abuse and knew the procedure to follow so that people were kept safe.

The management and administration of people’s medicines was safe and demonstrated people received their medicines as prescribed.

Recruitment procedures were in place ensuring only those applicants suitable to work with vulnerable people were appointed. Sufficient numbers of staff were available to support the individual needs of people.

The registered manager was aware of their responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act and knew who to liaise with so that people’s rights were protected. People told us they were actively involved and consulted with in planning their care and support.

Appropriate staff training and development was provided enabling staff to develop their knowledge and skills. This helped to ensure people were supported safely and effectively so their individual needs were met.

Where necessary people were supported in meeting their nutritional and hydration needs. Advice and support was sought from the speech and language therapists (SALT) or dieticians where potential risks had been identified.

People's care records showed that thorough assessments had been completed prior to the service commencing. Once agreed a detailed person centred plan was implemented providing good information about people’s wishes and preferences and clearly guided staff in the support people wanted and needed.

Systems were in place for the reporting and responding to any complaints brought to the attention of the service. People said they had no issues or concerns and felt they could discuss anything with the management team or care workers if they needed to. People were confident they were listened to.

The registered manager was aware of events such as accidents or incidents, which should be notified to CQC. This information helps us check the service is taking action to ensure people are kept safe.

Opportunities were provided for people and their relatives to be involved with the service to comment on their experiences and the quality of service provided, so that any improvements needed could be identified and acted upon.

The provider was displaying the rating from the last inspection in May 2016 on site and on their website.