Background to this inspection
Updated
29 April 2022
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 Health and Social Care Act 2008.
Inspection team
This inspection was carried out 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 houses and flats.
Registered Manager
This service is required to have a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. 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.
At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.
Notice of inspection
We gave the service 48 hours’ 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 started on 5 April 2022 and ended on 11 April 2022. We visited the location’s office on 5 April 2022.
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 reviewed information held on the service. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with four people and three relatives of people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with five members of staff including the registered manager, one team leader and three care workers. We spoke with one healthcare professional who had regular contact with the service.
We reviewed a range of records. This included five people’s care records, medication records, three staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and audits were reviewed.
Updated
29 April 2022
About the service
Angelcare Rural is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care for older adults living in their own homes, some of whom were living with age related frailties. At the time of the inspection 19 people were supported by Angelcare Rural. 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 told us they felt safe and were comfortable to speak with staff or management if they had any concerns. A relative told us, “It definitely feels that my family member is safe with carers.” Staff received safeguarding training and were knowledgeable on the prevention and reporting of abuse. People were supported safely with their medicines by staff who were trained to assist them. Staff followed good infection control practices to help protect people from the COVID-19 pandemic. Risks to people were assessed and managed, care plans guided staff to support people in a safe way.
People were supported by staff who knew them well. Staff completed an induction period which included working with senior staff and a dedicated mentor. One person told us, “They seem to be well trained. I am very lucky, seems to be same carers most of the time.” Staff sought people’s consent before supporting them. People’s nutritional and hydration needs were met where required. People were supported to access healthcare services when needed and staff worked closely with professionals to provide good outcomes for people.
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 were seen to be involved in the planning and reviews of their care.
People were supported by caring staff who respected their dignity and independence. Staff supported people to remain in control of their lives. One staff member told us, “I praise and encourage people. I give them the flannel if they can wash their face and hands and I’ll wash their back. We know them well and I try to work with them, not for them. It’s the approach.”
The registered manager sought feedback from people and staff. People and staff told us they felt comfortable to make suggestions or complaints. The management team visited people and made calls to check people were happy with the service. People and their relatives spoke positively regarding the running of the service. Comments included, “They are very good, I certainly don’t want to change.” And, “I think they are well managed.”
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 20 January 2021 and this is the first inspection.
Why we inspected
This is the first inspection for this newly registered service.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.