27 June 2016
During a routine inspection
We inspected the service on 27 June 2016. The inspection was announced. At the time of our inspection 13 people were receiving a personal care service.
There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager (the ‘manager’) is a person who has registered with CQC to manage the service. Like registered providers (the ‘provider’), 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.
CQC is required by law to monitor how a provider applies the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and to report on what we find. Staff had received training in this area and demonstrated their understanding of how to support people who lacked the capacity to make some decisions for themselves.
The manager and staff knew every person who used the service and had established warm, friendly relationships with each of them. People’s individual care plans set out their needs and wishes in a high level of detail and were understood and followed by staff. Staff treated people with dignity and respect and encouraged them to maintain their independence. Staff had the knowledge and skills required to meet people’s individual needs effectively.
Staffing resources were managed carefully to ensure that staff had time to meet each person’s support needs and to interact with them socially. The provider had managed a recent period of short-staffing effectively, to ensure people continued to receive the care and support they required.
The manager service displayed an open and accountable management style which set the cultural tone in the service. Staff worked together in a friendly and supportive way. They enjoyed working for the provider and felt listened to by the manager.
The provider maintained a range of auditing and monitoring systems to ensure the care provided reflected people’s needs and preferences. The provider sought people’s opinions on the quality of the service and encouraged people to raise any concerns or suggestions directly with the manager.
The provider assessed any potential risks to people and staff and put preventive measures in place where required. Staff knew how to recognise and report any concerns to keep people safe from harm. People who needed staff assistance to take their medicines were supported safely and staff supported people to prepare food and drink of their choice.