5 August 2014 and 11 August 2014
During a routine inspection
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked 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.
The last inspection took place on 20 December 2013, during which, we found there were no breaches in the regulations. This inspection was announced. We contacted the provider two days before our inspection to ensure that someone would be available to meet with us at the registered office.
There was a registered manager in post at this service. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service and has the legal responsibility for meeting the requirements of the law; as does the provider
Emerald Home Care Limited provides personal care to older people in their own home. At the time of the inspection four people were using the service.
People and their relatives told us they were very happy with the care provided by the service. People told us that the support they received was flexible to meet their needs and was provided at a time of their choosing.
The CQC is required by law to monitor the operation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and to report on what we find. We found that people who used the service had their capacity to make day-to-day decisions about their care formally assessed. Staff understood the principles of MCA and how this was relevant to the people they supported.
Appropriate systems were in place to ensure that there were enough numbers of suitable staff employed at the service to meet people’s needs. The provider’s arrangements ensured that newly employed staff received an induction and received opportunities for training. Records also showed that staff received regular supervision. Staff were supported to perform their role and responsibilities to support people safely and to an appropriate standard.
People’s personal care needs were assessed and recorded. People’s care plans showed how risks to their health and wellbeing were being minimised to ensure their safety. We found that people’s healthcare needs were considered and people were supported to access relevant healthcare professionals where required.
People receiving care, their relatives and staff confirmed that people’s privacy and dignity were respected and upheld at all times.
There were appropriate systems in place to deal with comments and complaints. The service had a complaints policy and procedure in place and this included a system for recording and responding to any complaints received. People told us that they felt confident and able to raise issues or concerns.
There were systems in place to check the quality of care and service that people received. People told us the service was well led.