Luton Borough Council Reablement Service

Updated 29 March 2019

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

There was a service manager in post however they were not registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that the provider is legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided. However, the service manager was planning to submit their application to register with CQC.

Inspection team: One inspector carried out this inspection.

Service and service type:

Luton Borough Council Reablement Service provides support over a six-week period to enable people to regain their independence. This service is a domiciliary (home care) care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own houses and flats.

Notice of inspection:

This inspection was announced. Inspection activity started on 4 March 2019 and ended on 7 March 2019. We visited the service on 5 March 2019 to meet the service manager and staff and to review care records and other documents.

What we did:

Before the inspection we considered all the information we held in relation to the service, including statutory notifications. This included the Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that requires them to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections. We also requested people and their relatives contact details, so we could talk with them about the service they received.

During the inspection:

• We spoke to one care coordinator and a senior coordinator and the service manager.

• We reviewed information from three care files which included all aspects of care and risk assessments. which included medicine records.

• We looked at staff support arrangements including supervisions, and training records.

• Records of accidents, incidents, complaints and audits.

Following the inspection:

We reviewed information we requested such as training documents. After the office inspection we visited two people’s homes to talk with them and staff who provided their support. Overall, we spoke with seven people, two relatives and six staff.

Updated 29 March 2019

About the service: Luton Borough Council Reablement Service is a domiciliary care service based in Luton. The service provides rehabilitation and care to adults over the age of 18 in their own homes. In general, people stay with the service for no longer than six weeks following discharge from hospital or referral by local community teams.

People’s experience of using this service:

The service ensured each person was treated as an individual with personal preferences being at the forefront of the care they received. Staff treated people kindly and communicated effectively. During our home visits staff were observed to be respectful, kind and caring. Staff promoted people’s dignity and privacy.

There were robust recruitment checks in place which included DBS (disclosure and barring checks) and past employment history to ensure the staff were safe and suitable to work in this type of service. Staffing levels were appropriate to meet people`s needs in a timely way.

Care plans were in place when people started using the service. The support plans were reviewed weekly and risk assessments were developed for each identified risk to people`s health and wellbeing. Staff understood people`s care needs and encouraged people’s independence.

There were effective systems in place for managing medicines. Medicines audits and medicine administration records were correctly completed. Competency assessments were in place to promote best practice.

Staff were supported with regular training and supervision to enable them to support people effectively. People told us they felt the care and support they received was safe. Staff received training in safeguarding and they knew how to report their concerns internally and externally to safeguarding authorities.

People were supported with their food and drinks where required.

People had good access to healthcare as needed and staff had a good understanding of people’s health needs. People and relatives told us they were happy with the care provided by Luton Borough Council Reablement Service.

Rating at last inspection: Good (report published 27 April 2016).

Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection to check that the service remained Good.

Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.