21 September 2016
During a routine inspection
We inspected this service on21 and 22 September 2016. This was an announced inspection and we telephoned the week prior to our inspection in order to arrange home visits and telephone interviews with people. The service provides care in people’s homes to older people and people with debilitating illness and long term conditions such as dementia. The service is available in the surrounding areas of Nottingham. At the time of the inspection 74 people were being supported by the service. This was the first inspection visit since the service registered with us on 16 December 2015.
There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
People felt safe and staff had received training to ensure they knew how to report any concerns. We saw when concerns had been raised they were dealt with in accordance with the safeguard policy. Risk to people had been assessed and guidance provided to support staff. There were sufficient staff to meet people’s needs and the provider only took on work when they had the appropriate level of resources to support people’s choices and needs. Any new staff had received the appropriate checks to ensure they were suitable to work with people. Were people required support with their medicines this was managed safety.
The staff had received training to support their role. New staff had a structured induction which covered all aspects of the service. People were encouraged and enabled to make choices. Where people were unable to make a decision this was supported through a best interest assessment.
When people received support with their meals, they were given choices and support to ensure they received a balanced diet. Health care professionals were contacted as required by the person following any concerns or requests.
People told us the staff provided a kind and friendly service, which they valued. Their dignity and privacy was respected when they received any care. The care plans covered all aspects of the support provided and detailed people’s preferences. The service responded flexibly to any changing needs.
Staff felt supported by the manager and provider. They received regular communication and support through meetings. The provider conducted monthly audits across the service to assess the quality and to make improvements. Any complaints had been addressed in line with the provider’s policy.