Archived: Argyll Care

Updated 23 March 2017

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This inspection took place on 12 December 2016 and we contacted the manager two days prior to our visit. This was because the service provides a domiciliary care service to people in their own homes and we wanted to ensure that the manager was available to speak with us. The inspection was carried out by one inspector.

At the time of our inspection, a service was being provided to nine people who were living in the Strand House flats; for whom Argyll Care provided a supported living service.

Before our inspection, the provider completed a Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.

We also looked at other information we held about the service, including any statutory notifications. A notification is information about important events, which the provider is required to tell us about by law.

We spoke with four people who used the service, the registered manager and two members of staff. We reviewed the care records and risk assessments for three people using the service and the records for staff in respect of training and supervisions.

We also looked at a selection of records that related to the management of the service, such as quality assurance checks, audits and minutes from staff and ‘tenants’ meetings.

Updated 23 March 2017

This inspection took place on 12 December 2016 and was announced.

Argyll Care provides support for people with mental health needs in their own homes. At the time of this inspection, nine people were living in the Strand House flats; to which Argyll Care provides a supported living service.

There was a registered manager in post. 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.

People had no concerns about their safety and staff had completed training to enable them to recognise and respond to any suspicion of abuse. Staff also understood their obligation to report any issues promptly. The service followed safe recruitment processes so that only staff, who were suitable to work in care, were employed. Risks to people’s safety were assessed and guidance for staff about any identified risks for people was clear and appropriately detailed.

There were enough staff to ensure people’s safety and the manager had contingency plans in place to cover for staff absences. People’s support needs were met in accordance with their individual requirements.

At the time of this inspection none of the people being supported required the service to manage or administer their medicines. However, staff had completed appropriate medicines training. The service also had clear policies and procedures in place for staff to follow, with regard to the recording and administration of medicines for people.

Staff were supported well and received regular supervisions and suitable training that was relevant to their role. Staff meetings were held regularly and staff maintained frequent communication with each other and the manager.

The manager and staff had a good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).

In accordance with people’s care packages, staff encouraged and supported people to ensure they had enough to eat and drink. People were also supported to access other healthcare professionals as needed.

People were supported by caring staff and people planned and agreed their own care. Staff were reliable and people knew the staff that supported them. People had thorough assessments completed before they started using the service and their care was planned specifically for them to meet their needs. People’s care records were reviewed regularly by the manager and staff, to ensure they were kept up to date and accurately maintained.

People knew how to make a complaint and were confident that their concerns would be listened to, taken seriously and that appropriate action would be taken.

Staff had regular opportunities to discuss aspects of the service and make suggestions for improvements. People using the service also had opportunities to express their views.

The service had effective systems for ensuring people consistently received high quality care. Regular reviews and audits were carried out, which included people’s support plans and risk assessments.