11 March 2016
During a routine inspection
Making Space Domiciliary Care and Outreach Service is a domiciliary care agency which provides supported living and outreach services to people living with a mental health condition in Lancaster and Morecambe. There were six people who used the service at the time of inspection.
There was a registered manager in place. 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 service was first registered with the Care Quality Commission in July 2015. Due to flooding there was a change to the registered location in December 2015. This was the first inspection of the registered provider since registration. We identified no concerns at this inspection and found the provider was meeting all standards we assessed.
Feedback from people who used the service was positive. People spoke highly about the quality of service provision on offer. Staffing levels were conducive to meet people’s needs. We observed staff being patient with people and meeting their needs in a responsive manner.
Arrangements were in place to protect people from risk of abuse. People told us they felt safe and secure. Staff had a sound knowledge of safeguarding procedures and were aware of their responsibilities for reporting any concerns.
Recruitment procedures were in place to ensure staff were correctly vetted before commencing employment. Staff retention was good and people said they benefited from staff who knew them well.
Suitable arrangements were in place for managing and administering medicines. People were encouraged to self-administer medicines where appropriate. Risks of self-administration were managed.
People’s healthcare needs were monitored and referrals were made to health professionals in a timely manner when health needs changed. Systems were in place to monitor and manage risk.
Detailed care plans were in place for people who used the service. Care plans covered support needs and personal wishes. Plans were reviewed and updated at regular intervals and information was sought from appropriate professionals as and when required.
People said they were supported at appropriate times to meet their nutritional needs. Strategies were in place to promote healthy eating where appropriate.
The registered manager had implemented a range of quality assurance systems to monitor quality and effectiveness of the service provided.
Information regarding accidents and incidents was monitored by head office so trends and themes could be identified and processes put in place to minimise risk. External consultants were commissioned to promote health and safety.
The registered provider worked innovatively to encourage people to live active lives within their community.
Staff were positive about ways in which the service was managed. Staff spoke highly about levels of training on offer and support from management. Staff described teamwork as “Good.”