The inspection took place on 5 January 2016 and was unannounced
Baroda Care provides care, support and treatment to a maximum of 14 people who may have a mental illness. The provider works in partnership with other agencies to enable people to live safely in the community.
A registered manager was in place. 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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
People told us that they felt safe at Baroda care. Staff had a good understanding about the signs of abuse and were aware of what to do if they suspected abuse was taking place. There were systems and processes in place to protect people from harm.
People were supported by staff that had the expert skills and knowledge to meet their assessed needs. Best practice training opportunities were provided by various healthcare professionals which gave staff strong understanding and knowledge about people’s diagnosed conditions.
Recruitment practices were safe and relevant checks had been completed before staff commenced work. Staff worked within good practice guidelines to ensure people’s care, treatment and support promoted good quality of life.
Mental capacity assessments were conducted when required and any restrictions or controlled measures in place were frequently reviewed and assessed using the support of various healthcare professionals.
The provider had appropriate arrangements in place to assess people’s capacity to make decisions about their care and treatment. Staff were knowledgeable about the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
People who required supervision in the community were supported effectively. Multi-disciplinary teams including community psychiatric nurses, psychiatrists and psychologists were involved in reviewing and updating people’s risk management plans.
Medicines were managed safely. Any changes to people’s medicines were prescribed by the service’s GP and psychiatrist. People were involved before any intervention or changes to their care and treatment were carried out.
People had access to activities that were important and relevant to them. Records showed people’s hobbies and interests were documented and staff accurately described people’s preferred routines. People were protected from social isolation through systems the service had in place. There was a range of activities available within the home and community which aided people’s recovery process.
The service was well led because the provider actively sought, encouraged and supported people’s involvement in the improvement of the service. People’s care and welfare was monitored regularly to make sure their needs were met within a safe environment. The provider had systems in place to regularly assess and monitor the quality of the service provided. Senior management liaised with and obtained guidance and best practice techniques from external agencies, professional bodies and experts in their fields. Records showed care plans had been reviewed regularly and people’s support was personalised and tailored to their individual needs.
People told us the staff were friendly and management were always visible and approachable. Staff were encouraged to contribute to the improvement of the service. Staff told us they would report any concerns to their manager and said the management and leadership of the service very good and very supportive.
Staff were appropriately trained and skilled to deliver safe care. They all received a thorough induction before they started work and fully understood their responsibilities to report any concerns of possible abuse. Records showed staff received training in mental health and how to help people who display behaviours that may challenge others.
The provider had employed skilled staff and took steps to make sure care was based on local and national best practice. Information regarding diagnosed conditions was documented in people’s care plans and risks to health and wellbeing were discussed daily during staff meetings. Staff consistently told us they communicated risks associated with people health and behaviours frequently.