18 May 2016
During a routine inspection
Sevacare provides personal care assistance for people who live in their own homes. The service supports people who may live with a physical or sensory disability, mental health condition, dementia or learning disability. The office is based in Blackpool town centre.
A registered manager was in place. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 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.
At the last inspection on 01 July 2014, we found the provider was meeting the requirements of the regulations.
During this inspection, people and their representatives told us they felt safe whilst being supported in their own home. One person said, “I’m very happy, I trust my carer.” Staff demonstrated a good understanding safeguarding principles.
People said there was consistency of staff who met their care packages. All staff had completed the training, which they were required to repeat every three years to refresh their understanding. The registered manager followed safe recruitment practices to protect people from unsuitable staff.
Individuals who accessed the service told us they felt fully supported when assisted with their medication. Staff undertook related training and the management team checked their skills through competency testing.
Staff demonstrated a good awareness of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and associated Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. A relative told us, “They’re very good to [my relative], they’re not rough.” People or their representatives had signed their consent to care in their care planning and other associated records.
People told us staff responded to their needs with a personalised approach. We found staff worked collaboratively with them and relatives, fully involving them in their care. Care records were based around the person’s requirements and preferences. Systems were in place to assist people to make a complaint if they chose to.
We observed staff were patient and aided people to maintain their dignity and independence. One person said, “They’re very, very good and very cheerful.” Where applicable, staff assisted people with their nutritional needs and checked their preferences in relation to what they wanted to eat.
Individuals who accessed Sevacare said it was well run and they could contact the office if they had any concerns. We found evidence of the registered manager acting upon identified concerns and feedback from people and their relatives. A range of audits was in place to maintain their safety and wellbeing.