23 November 2016
During a routine inspection
Cheshire & Staffordshire Homecare Ltd is registered to provide personal care to people living in their own homes. There were 86 people using the service on the day of our inspection.
A registered manager was in post and was present during our inspection. 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.
The provider had trained staff in how to protect people from harm and abuse. Staff knew how to recognise and report abuse to the provider. People knew how to make the provider aware of any concerns about their safety or wellbeing. The provider had assessed and managed the risks connected with people’s individual care and support needs. They organised their staffing requirements to be able to meet these needs. People had the support they needed to take their prescribed medicines safely.
Staff had the skills and knowledge needed to meet people’s individual care needs. They received effective induction, training and ongoing support from the provider. The provider understood and protected people’s rights under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. People had the support they needed to prepare meals and eat and drink safely and comfortably. The provider had assessed any nutritional or dietary needs people had. Staff helped people to access healthcare services in the event that they were unwell or in pain.
Staff adopted a caring approach to their work with people. The provider encouraged and facilitated people’s involvement in decision-making that affected them. People knew how to raise a complaint about the service, and felt comfortable doing so.
People received care and support that took into account their specific needs and preferences. Staff understood the importance of following people’s care plans. The provider had developed procedures to ensure people’s complaints were dealt with properly.
The provider promoted an open, ongoing dialogue with people, their relatives and the staff they employed. People and staff found the management team approachable and willing to listen. Staff felt well supported and were clear about what was expected of them. The registered manager understood the duties and responsibilities associated with their post. The provider made use of effective quality assurance systems to drive improvement within the service.