11 July 2019
During a routine inspection
East Dorset and New Forest Care is a domiciliary care provider. At the time of this inspection five people received personal care support from the service. The service supported older people, some of who were living with dementia, within their own homes.
Not everyone using the service receives a regulated activity. CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with ‘personal care’, help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also take into account any wider social care provided.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
Relevant recruitment checks were conducted before staff started working at the service to make sure they were of good character and had the necessary skills. However, a full employment history was not obtained as the provider was not aware this was a requirement.
People using the service and their relatives, told us they felt safe. Staff understood and followed guidance to enable them to recognise and address any safeguarding concerns about people.
However, just after our inspection, employed staff were leaving the service which meant the provider would be completing all the hands-on care, as well as managing the service till further staff were recruited.
There were systems in place to monitor the quality and safety of the service provided, however these were not always effective. Further work was required on ensuring policies and procedures were in place.
Staff were supported by training, however staff felt that some training needed to be more practical development rather than just e-learning to enhance their learning.
Medication administration records (MAR) confirmed people had received their medicines as prescribed. There were plans in place for foreseeable emergencies.
People were treated with kindness and compassion. Staff were able to identify and discuss the importance of maintaining people’s respect and privacy at all times.
People were supported with their nutritional needs when required. People received varied meals including a choice of fresh food and drinks. Staff were aware of people’s likes and dislikes.
There was a system in place to allow people to express any concerns or complaints they may have.
Care plans had been reviewed with people to ensure they were delivering person centred care.
The service developed and promoted community involvement.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible, and in their best interests. Policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
East Dorset and New Forest Care met the characteristics of Good in some areas and of Requires Improvement in others. Overall, we have rated the service as Required Improvement.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 10/07/2018 and this is the first inspection.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection.
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.