Archived: Prosper

Updated 19 March 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

This inspection was carried out by two inspectors.

Service and service type

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

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

This inspection was announced. Due to the pandemic, we gave a short period notice of the inspection to enable us to collate as much information as possible virtually to minimise the time spent by the inspection team visiting the provider’s office.

Inspection activity started on 19 February 2021 and ended on 4 March 2021. We visited the office location on 4 March 2021.

What we did before the inspection

The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report.

During the inspection

We spoke with two people who used the service and three relatives by telephone about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with three members of care staff and the registered manager.

We reviewed a range of records. This included two people's care records and medication records. We looked at two staff files in relation to recruitment, training and supervision and the systems in place for quality monitoring.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found.

Updated 19 March 2021

About the service

Prosper is a domiciliary care agency and provides personal care to people living in their own houses and flats in the community. At the time of inspection four people were receiving support with personal care.

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

Systems were in place to monitor the quality and safety of the service however these were not always effective. Audits had not identified the concerns we found during our inspection and required improvement.

We have made a recommendation about quality monitoring and oversight of the service.

People received their prescribed medicines by trained staff however medication administration records were not always fully completed in line with current best practice.

We have made a recommendation about the management of medicines.

Risks to people had been assessed with guidance for staff to follow. However, improvements were required in terms of risk recording to make sure people’s care records were up to date and reflective of their current needs.

We have made a recommendation the provider reviews their risk assessment and care planning processes to ensure a safe and consistent approach to risk management.

People felt safe using the service and appreciated they were supported by a consistent staff team. Staff had been safely recruited and were trained and supported to provide the best possible care which met people’s individual care and support needs. We were assured staff were following good infection control practices. Systems were in place to safeguard people from the risk of abuse. Staff had received safeguarding training and were aware of their responsibilities to report concerns.

People and their relatives were complimentary about the kind, caring attitude of staff and were satisfied with the care and support they received. Staff treated people with dignity and respect and people's independence was promoted. Without exception people and relatives told us they would recommend the service to others.

People were consulted over their care and support needs and 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.

There was an effective complaints system in place. People told us where they had raised concerns these had been addressed in a timely way and, where necessary, apologies had been given.

The registered manager was committed to providing high quality care and was proactive at seeking the opinion of people and their relatives to drive improvements and ensure people were happy with the care they received. Staff felt valued and told us they were supported and listened to by the registered manager.

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 14 August 2019 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the length of time the service was registered and when they commenced providing a regulated activity.

Follow up

We will return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.