Background to this inspection
Updated
22 December 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 undertaken by one inspector and an Expert by Experience. 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
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 October 2021 and ended on 10 November 2021. We visited the office location on 8 November 2021.
What we did before the inspection
We reviewed information we held about the service. The provider had completed 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. We used all this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with eight relatives and three people about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with four members of staff including the registered manager.
We reviewed a range of records. This included two people’s care records and medication records. We looked at staff files in relation to recruitment, training and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
After the inspection
We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data and quality assurance records.
Updated
22 December 2021
About the service
Lion Care Essex is a domiciliary care service. It is registered to provide personal care to people living in their own homes. At the time of our inspection, 32 people were using the service. 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 wide social care provided. At the time of inspection, the service was providing personal care and support to 12 people.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
The registered manager completed regular checks to monitor the quality and safety of the service. Staff although supervised whilst working were not having formal supervisions documented.
Audits of quality assurance processes were not always readily available.
We recommend the provider looks at best practice and guidance in relation to quality assurance processes.
There were enough staff available to meet people's needs. People received care and support from a consistent staff team which enabled continuity of care.
Staff had received safeguarding adults from abuse training and knew how to act on any concerns. Risk assessments were in place to manage potential risks to people’s health and well-being. Effective infection control processes were in place. Staff had access to appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to help prevent the spread of infection.
Staff received mandatory training to fulfil their role and responsibilities. They felt supported and valued by the provider.
People and their relatives spoke positively 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.
People were supported to maintain good health and access health care professionals. Where required, people were supported with their nutritional needs.
People had individualised care plans which met their needs. People,and their relatives,were consulted over their care and support needs and were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives. 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 and relatives were complimentary of the service they received and said they would recommend Lion Care Essex to others.
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 3 December 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 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.