Community Independent Living

Updated 15 July 2021

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

Inspection team

The inspection was carried out by an inspector and an Expert by Experience who made telephone calls to people to get their feedback about the service. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Service and service type

This service is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own homes.

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

Notice of inspection

We gave the service notice of the inspection. This was because it is a small service and we needed to be sure that the provider or registered manager would be in the office to support the inspection.

Inspection activity was carried out over two days on 21 and 22 June 2021. We visited the office location on 22 June 2021.

What we did before the inspection

We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections. We contacted and received feedback from the local authority. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

What we did during our inspection

During the inspection, we spoke with five people using the service and one family member by telephone about their experience of care. We also spoke with the registered manager and six members of staff.

We looked at three people’s care records and a selection of other records including quality monitoring records, recruitment and training records for staff.

Updated 15 July 2021

About the service

Community Independent Living is a domiciliary care agency that provides personal care to people in their own homes. At the time of the inspection eight people were using the service.

Not everyone who used the service received personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People confirmed they received their medications and calls on time and that care and support provided was good. One person commented, “I think they (staff) care. They always ask how I am and are very attentive.”

Staff knew how to report safeguarding concerns and staff were recruited safely. People told us they felt safe receiving care from Community Independent Living. There were comprehensive risk assessments in place which were tailored to reflect each person’s needs.

People were supported to eat and drink where needed, and staff were trained, supervised and appraised in line with the policy of the organisation.

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, the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People confirmed they were involved in choices and decisions regarding their care and support, including a choice of which staff would support them. People’s diverse needs were catered for. Staff treated people with kindness, compassion and dignity. Comments made included, “They treat me like a friend and make me feel alright. I enjoy them coming” and “Yes, they (staff) do care about me.”

Care plans were person centred and reflected the needs of each person. A relative confirmed communication from staff was good, and staff supported people to make healthcare appointments where needed.

The registered manager understood their role and responsibilities and understood the requirement to report notifiable incidents to CQC. There were key audits and quality checks in place, complete with action plans.

Rating at last inspection (and update)

This service was registered with CQC on 5 August 2019 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

We inspected this service in line with our planned inspection regime.

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