Background to this inspection
Updated
16 April 2020
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 two inspectors.
Service and service type
Take a Break with Choices is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. Take a Break with Choices is also registered for the regulated activity of ‘personal care’.
The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means 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 unannounced.
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.
We monitored and reviewed information we received since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and other professionals who worked with the service. We analysed information from previous inspections. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with three people and a relative about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with the registered manager, deputy manager, a member of care staff and two external healthcare professionals. We made observations of interactions between the staff and people, and general practice around the home.
We reviewed a range of records. This included four people’s care plans, support plans, and medication records. We looked at three staff personnel files in relation to recruitment, training and staff supervision. We looked at a variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures.
After the inspection
We requested further key documents to help in supporting our judgements and validating the evidence we found. We spoke with another member of the care staff.
Updated
16 April 2020
About the service
Take a Break with Choices is a respite service for up to seven people. On the day of inspection five people were using the service. Take a Break with Choices supports people with varying needs, including dementia, autism, drug and alcohol use and learning disabilities, across a two-storey building, with minor adaptations. The service is situated close to Bolton Town Centre.
Take a Break with Choice’s also provide personal care to one person living in their own home. 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
Systems were in place to keep people safe from abuse. People’s risks were identified, monitored and managed appropriately. The premises of the care home were undergoing redecoration in areas, but were well maintained, clean and tidy.
Staff were recruited safely. Staffing levels were sufficient to meet people’s needs and there was flexibility within the rota to adjust staffing levels should people’s needs change. The service had robust supervision and appraisal systems in place for staff. Staff training was thorough and in-date.
Medicines were managed safely. The provider had systems in place for infection control and staff knowledge of this was good. Extra systems and precautions were in place to manage the risk of the Coronavirus.
People’s health and emotional needs were fully assessed when they started using the service. People’s nutritional needs were met.
People were supported to maintain relationships with family and friends. There was a wide range of ad-hoc and arranged activities for people to participate in. Complaints were dealt with promptly and were used for analysis to support the service improve. Compliments were fed back to staff during team meetings, encouraging best practice.
The deputy manager had implemented more structure and improved paperwork, such as care plans, support plans, governance, systems and policies. The service welcomed and worked alongside other agencies.
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. The service provided support that promoted people’s independence and people’s privacy and dignity was respected.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was requires improvement (published 13 March 2019.)
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
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.