7 March 2019
During a routine inspection
Communication Independence Limited is registered as a domiciliary care agency to provide personal care. They support people with a hearing and/or a visual impairment or have combined sight and hearing loss and who may also have other support needs, such as physical disabilities, learning difficulties and/or needs relating to their mental health. At the time of the inspection there were seven people using the service.
People’s experience of using this service:
• People told us they felt safe with the support provided from Communication Independence and they were consistently treated with kindness, dignity and respect.
• People knew who to report any concerns to and were happy with the support they received from staff.
• People’s care records contained guidance for staff about how to support people safely and minimise risks to people.
• Staff were trained in their responsibilities for safeguarding adults and knew what action to take if they witnessed or suspected any abuse.
• The service had systems in place to ensure people received their medicines as prescribed. Staff supported people to maintain their health by making appropriate referrals to community health professionals and acting on any advice they were given.
• Staff told us they thought there were enough staff to meet people’s needs.
• People received personalised support from staff who knew them well. People’s likes, dislikes and social histories were recorded in their care records. This helped staff care for them in a personalised way.
• Staff were competent, knowledgeable and skilled. They received regular training, supervisions and appraisals which supported them to conduct their roles effectively.
• People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
• The provider had an effective complaints procedure in place. People and their relatives knew how to complain if they needed to.
• The provider and registered manager understood the regulatory requirements and monitored the quality and safety of the service on a regular basis.
• Staff told us they enjoyed their jobs; their morale was positive, and they told us the staff team worked very well together.
Rating at last inspection:
The last inspection of Communication Independence Limited was on 9 and 12 January 2018 and the service’s overall rating was good, with one breach in regulation.
Why we inspected:
This was a planned inspection based on the rating awarded at the last inspection.
Follow up:
We will continue to monitor the service to ensure that people receive safe, compassionate, high quality care. Further inspections will be planned for future dates.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk