13 September 2018
During a routine inspection
Not everyone using the service received the regulated activity. CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with 'personal care. This includes tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also take into account any wider social care provided.
The service also provides support to people living in shared accommodation, referred to as supported living services. At the time of the inspection, the service was providing support to 23 people.
We inspected the service on the 13 September 2018 and the inspection was announced. We gave the provided 48 hours’ notice of the inspection visit because the location provides a domiciliary care service. This was to make sure there would be someone available in the office to facilitate our inspection.
At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence, or information, from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.
Systems remained in place to protect people from abuse and staff received training in their responsibilities to safeguard people. Risks relating to people's care were reduced as the provider assessed and managed risks effectively.
People's medicines were managed safely by staff. People were supported by staff who had been assessed as suitable to work with them. Staff had been trained effectively to have the right skills and knowledge to be able to meet people's assessed needs. Staff were supported through observations, supervisions and appraisals to help them understand their role and ensure continuous personal development. The provider had ensured that there were enough staff to care for people.
People continued to receive care in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and staff received training on the Act to help them understand their responsibilities in relation to it. Staff considered people’s capacity using the MCA and people’s capacity to make decisions had been carefully assessed. 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.
Staff remained kind and caring and had developed good relationships with people. Relatives told us their family members were cared for by staff and that they were comfortable in staff’s presence. One relative told us, “They all do their best for him. They know him. They’ve brought his character out and he’s always smiling.” Another relative told us about staff, “I would give them a platinum star.” Relatives confirmed staff were caring and looked after people well. People were provided with the care, support and equipment they needed to stay independent
in their homes.
People’s needs continued to be assessed and person-centred care plans were developed, to identify what care and support was required. One relative told us, “She’s happy and the family and I am happy with the staff. She’s having a nice time because the staff are making her life good.”
People were encouraged to live healthy lives and received food of their choice. People received support with their day to day healthcare needs.
People were informed of how to complain and the provider responded to complaints appropriately. The provider communicated openly with people and staff. Staff worked closely with professionals such as speech and language therapists, behavioural specialists and GP’s.
Quality assurance and information governance systems remained in place to monitor the quality and safety of the service. Relatives all told us that they were happy with the service provided and the way it was managed. One relative told us, “Well run? I should say so, definitely yes.”
Further information is in the detailed findings below.