Background to this inspection
Updated
3 January 2020
The inspection
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
Inspection team
The inspection was carried out by one inspector.
Service and service type
This service is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own homes.
The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.
Notice of inspection
This inspection was unannounced.
Inspection activity started on 12 December 2019 and ended on 16 December 2019. We visited the office location on 16 December 2019.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we received about the service since the last inspection including changes, events or incidents the provider is legally obliged to send us within a required timescale. We sought feedback from the local authority and safeguarding authority who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections.
During the inspection
We spoke with three people who used the service and three family members about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with the provider who was also the registered manager and five members of the care team.
We reviewed a range of records including two people’s care records and medicine records, one staff file in relation to recruitment and staff supervision and a range of records relating to the management of the service.
After the inspection
The registered manager provided clarity in relation to one staff members pre-employment checks.
Updated
3 January 2020
About the service
Caringhands@home Limited is a domiciliary care service providing personal care to seven people at the time of the inspection.
Not everyone who used the service received personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also consider any wider social care provided.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
Recommendations made following the last inspection had been met and improvements had been made to the management of medicines and quality assurance procedures.
We have made a recommendation about end of life care and support as people preferences and wishes at this important time had not been explored.
People were supported by a small team of consistent staff which resulted in trusting, caring and compassionate relationships. Staff knew people well and supported people to have maximum choice and control of their lives. Staff supported people in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People and their family members told us they felt safe with the care staff. Safeguarding procedures were understood and followed as needed. Lessons had been learnt and steps taken to minimise risk. Risk assessments were in place which minimised the possibility of harm whilst also supporting people to maintain their independence and free will.
People’s needs, and preferences were recorded and regularly reviewed to make sure people were happy with the care and support they received. Staff worked alongside other healthcare professionals and followed any guidance that was put in place.
Everyone told us they knew how to make a complaint but had never had reason to do so. Many people and their family members commented, “I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Social isolation was reduced as social support could be provided as part of people’s care to ensure people kept in touch with family and friends and maintained hobbies and interests.
People, family members and staff all agreed the service was well-led and the registered manager was approachable and supportive.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was good (published 13 June 2017).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.