7 June 2018
During a routine inspection
This service is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own houses and flats in the community. It provides a service to older people and younger adults living with disabilities.
A registered manager was in position. 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.
The registered manager was not able to be present on the first day of the inspection but was present on the second day.
All of the people we spoke with said they felt that either they or their relative felt very safe with their care staff. Staff we spoke with understood their responsibilities in keeping people safe. Staff knew what to do if they thought anybody was at risk.
Accidents and incidents were reported appropriately and reviewed to look for any themes or trends which could be mitigated against.
Medicines were safely managed and medicines audit systems were in place.
Staff signed to say they had read and understood the detailed risk assessments in place to promote people’s safety.
Staff records showed the recruitment process was robust and staff were safely recruited.
Training was delivered to staff in order to help them meet people's specific needs. An induction process was in place and staff training was up to date. Competency checks were routinely carried out.
Staff confirmed they received regular effective supervision and appraisal and told us they were very well supported by the team leader and registered manager.
All of the people we spoke with told us staff were very caring.
People and their relatives had been involved in the development and review of their person-centred and detailed care plans.
Staff told us they worked closely with the out of hours district nurse team and would contact them if they had any concerns about a person’s wellbeing. People gave us examples of how staff had sought medical attention for them when they became ill.
People told us they knew what do if they needed to complain about the service. Complaints were managed effectively.
Systems were in place to monitor the quality and safety of the service and to obtain people’s views.
People told us the service was well led and said they would recommend it.