Archived: Sussex Elderly Care Community Interest Company

Sussex Elderly Care Community Interest Company is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own homes, some of whom were living with a dementia or another long-term health related condition. Most people lived reasonably independent lives but required support to maintain this independence. At the time of this inspection a service was being provided to 18 people.

People’s experience of using this service:

Medicines were not managed safely. The provider could not be assured that people were receiving their medicines as prescribed. Staff had not had their competency to give medicines assessed and procedures did not provide clear guidelines to follow. The medicine records did not support safe practice and were not accurate. For example, there was no reference to how staff handled topical creams or eye drops.

The quality monitoring systems had not been fully embedded into practice to support best practice in all areas. For example, audits on medicines had not identified all areas for improvement. Policies and procedures had not been established to ensure safe practice and complete records.

There were enough staff working to provide the support people needed, at times of their choice.

People were supported by staff who demonstrated kindness and had a caring approach. Staff were committed to providing care that was appropriate and enhanced people’s lives.

Staff understood the risks associated with the people they supported. Risk assessments provided further information and guidance for staff. People were protected from the risks of harm, abuse or discrimination because staff knew what actions to take if they identified concerns.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. Staff knew people well and supported their independence as far as possible.

People's health needs were met, they were supported to have access to healthcare services when they needed them. Staff received training that gave them skills to provide care people needed. Staff were supported by the management team and felt they were valued and appreciated.

People received support that was person-centred, and systems were in place to ensure people always had a visit as scheduled. Complaints had been recorded, investigated and responded to appropriately. Information received was used to improve the service.

There was a clear staffing structure and staff were aware of their roles and responsibilities. The registered manager took a central role in the service and led by example. She demonstrated a dedication and strong commitment to providing a quality service with people at the heart of the service.

Rating at last inspection: The service registered with the Care Quality Commission in June 2018 and this was their first inspection.

Why we inspected: This was a planned comprehensive inspection, following the registration of the location.

Enforcement: At this inspection we found the service to be Requires Improvement with one breach of the regulations of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received, we may inspect sooner.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk