1 April 2014
During a routine inspection
We gathered evidence against the outcomes we inspected to help answer the five key questions; Is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service well-led?
Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, speaking with people using the service, and looking at records.
Is the service caring? ' Comments we received from one relative of a person who used the service were very positive. They told us they were 'really happy' with the service and their support was 'very courteous' and 'very caring'. We saw that support plans were written with the person they were supporting and their carers and that peoples preferences were clearly recorded.
Is the service responsive? - The service had a complaints procedure in place and this was shared with people as part of their initial assessment. The provider told us that the service would review people who received a service on an ongoing basis and formally seek their views about the quality of the service they felt they received.
Is the service safe? ' The service had safeguarding policies and procedures in place and the provider knew how to respond to any concerns that were raised with them. We saw recruitment checks were undertaken with staff members to ensure they were able to work with vulnerable people and staff were also supported with policies and training in lone working. Risk assessments were carried out to ensure that both people and staff members maintained a safe working environment.
Is the service effective? - Support plans and risk assessments were written with the person receiving the service and their family and carers and their wishes and preferences were clearly recorded. People were also supported to give their consent so information the service held about people was used appropriately with staff and other professionals on a need to know basis.
Is the service well-led? ' The provider and registered manager have gone through a registration process in the last six months with the Care Quality Commission. Policies and procedures were in place and were stored electronically so they were always up to date. The provider was intending to undertake quality checks and to get formal feedback from people using the service. We will review how the service has implemented its quality assurance process on our next visit.