This inspection took place on 28 and 29 March 2017 and was announced. Braunton Care Limited is an established domiciliary care agency. It provides care to people in their own homes in the Braunton area of North Devon. At the time of our inspection, the service provided personal care and support to approximately 60 people. The time of visits ranged from 15 minutes to two and half hours. The frequency of visits ranged from once a week to 28 a week.
The service employed 21 care workers who worked both full and part-time.
The service has a registered manager. 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.
At the last inspection in January 2016, we asked the provider to take action to improve: the management of the service and record keeping; staff training; management of medicines; assessments, risk assessments and care plans, and staff training. Four requirement notices were issued. The provider sent us an action plan outlining how and when they would meet their legal requirements. We found this had been followed and all necessary actions had now been completed.
People were happy with the service provided. Comments included, “All the people have been wonderful …. they are all too nice” and “They are all very good”.
People were supported by a regular team of staff who arrived on time, stayed for the required time and did not miss visits.
Care workers were safely recruited, trained and received supervision in their job roles. They felt valued, included and listened to and enjoyed working for the service. Regular staff meetings took place to update care workers on important issues and any concerns could be discussed.
Staff knew how to recognise the signs of abuse and the correct action to take if they had any concerns.
When people started to use the service, an assessment of their needs was carried out. Each person had a care plan which identified risk assessments. Where needed, risk assessments were developed to help staff keep themselves and people safe. Medicines were given out safely and people were assisted to eat and drink meals of their choices. Care workers monitored people's health needs and involved health professionals where necessary.
People confirmed staff sought their consent before providing any care and where people lacked capacity. Care workers demonstrated an understanding of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) (2005) and how this applied to their practice.
People developed positive and meaningful relationships with a team of regular care workers they knew well. People were treated with dignity, respect and privacy. Their independence was maintained and encouraged.
People knew how to raise any concerns or complaints and felt confident to do so. Where concerns were raised these were investigated and the appropriate action taken.
The service was open and inclusive and regular feedback was sought. The management team carried out care calls when necessary. People and staff were very positive about the
leadership of the service and felt communication was good.
The provider had a range of quality monitoring systems in place which included spot checks, regular staff meetings and a range of audits. Annual surveys were sent out to gain people's feedback to improve the service.