Archived: Enterprise Care Limited

This is a summary of what we found-

Is the service safe?

We found the service was safe because people were protected against the risks associated with medicines. The provider had appropriate arrangements in place to manage people's medicines safely.

Approximately a quarter of the people supported by the service also received assistance with their medicines. Documentation was available recording the administration of prescribed creams and ointments as part of personnel care. Further information was recorded when care workers monitored or prompted the self-administration of medicines.

The service has policies and procedures detailing the support provided by staff including training. Audits had been undertaken and the service was revising the records kept following the most recent audit.

We spoke with one relative and one person who received a service from Enterprise Care. The relative told us that 'the carers are very sensitive in the way they provide care, always checking that my wife is comfortable with what is being done'.

We read four case files and saw that all the care plans, reviews and risk assessments had been signed by the person using the service or their representative. This meant that there were clear procedures for obtaining valid consent and that people were able to choose how their care was provided.

We saw four case files where we found a comprehensive assessment of people's needs completed by the care manager from Enterprise Care. We saw that care plans were developed from the assessment of needs. We saw that each care plan focussed on the specific needs of each individual and was signed by them to indicate their agreement. This meant that the care plan was developed with the person and was centred on them as an individual.

We found that the provider did not have effective systems in place for recording and administration of medication.

We saw that there were sufficient staff with the right level of skills and experience to meet the needs of the people who used the service.

We found that people who use the service were asked for their views about their care and treatment and they were acted on.

People told us staff arrived on time. Care workers said there was always enough time to provide the planned care without rushing people. A person told us 'Staff have shown excellent attitudes. They appreciate it's a big step accepting care.'

Care workers told us they immediately passed any health concerns to the manager and care co-ordinator. One said 'The office is very quick to update the care plans on things we tell them.' A person's relative said 'The care plan is clear and I can see what is written is what happens.'

Staff were trained to recognise and act on signs of possible abuse but had not received training about the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The relatives of people with dementia told us they were unsure staff fully understood issues of choice for people with dementia.

The care co-ordinator carried out visits to check how each member of staff respected people's dignity, privacy and independence as they worked in people's homes.

People told us the service maintained contact with them by phone and visits. One person said 'You don't feel you're just a number.' The provider undertook an annual survey as a primary source of information about issues of importance to people using the service. Any issues arising were regarded as priorities for action.