24 May 2016
During a routine inspection
The service is managed by VIVO Care Choices Limited to provide long term family support, respite care and sessional support to adults. The scheme currently supports 11 people. People live with carers in the carer’s own homes.
There was a registered manager employed to work at the service and they had been registered for five months. 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.
During discussions with people who used the service and carers we found they did not know who the registered manager was and had not met him. A recommendation was made that he should proactively seek to get to know the people who used the service and their carers.
People told us they were happy and they liked living with their carers. They said “I feel safe” and “I like it here”.
People said they were felt safe with their carers. Staff and carers were aware of safeguarding policies and procedures and had undertaken safeguarding awareness training. The registered manager understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and the implications on people who used the service. Staff had an awareness of the MCA through the induction process and safeguarding training.
There were robust staff recruitment processes in place which meant that people were protected from staff that were unsuitable to work with people who may be deemed vulnerable. Staff had undertaken an induction and had access to supervision sessions, staff meetings and training relevant to their job role.
Care plan documentation was person centred and gave good information about the individual needs of each person. A risk assessment was tailored to each person’s particular requirements. Some people were supported with their medication and these were managed by the carers. All documentation seen was up to date.
People and carers had access to information about the service that included a statement of purpose and this was written in large print to make it easier for people to read. This included the aims of the service, what people could expect to receive and details regarding the registered manager and provider. This meant that people had information about the service that they could refer to.
People who used the service and carers told us that they didn't have any complaints about the service and they would contact the office staff if they had any concerns. A complaints policy was available and processes were in place should a complaint be received. The registered provider had not received any complaints and CQC had also not received any complaints about this service.
Quality assurance processes were in place which included meetings held with carers and annual reviews of people’s care. There were also a range of audits undertaken in relation to the service provided that monitored its safety and effectiveness. These included risk assessments, finances, medication and health and safety. This meant that regular checks were being undertaken to ensure the quality and safety of the service is reviewed and evaluated.