About the serviceCare Assist in Harrow (Whitehall Road) is a small care home registered to provide accommodation and support with personal care for six people with mental health needs. At the time of this inspection, six people lived in the home.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
We checked the arrangements in place in respect of medicines. Care workers completed medicines management training and policies and procedures were in place. Medicines Administration Records (MARs) we looked were completed with no unexplained gaps. However, we noted that one person was prescribed medicines on a when required basis. At the time of the inspection we noted that there was no clear guidance in place to advise staff on when and how to give these medicines. Following the inspection, the registered manager sent us these protocols. We made a recommendation in respect of this.
Staff were patient and respectful when interacting and supporting people. There was a relaxed atmosphere in the home. We observed people were at ease when in the presence of staff. Staff adopted a caring, friendly and professional approach in their work.
People were protected from abuse by staff who understood how to identify and report any abuse concerns. Risks to people's health and wellbeing had been assessed. Risk assessments were in place and included guidance for staff on how to minimise risks to people.
Appropriate recruitment checks had been carried out. The home had adequate staffing levels and staff were able to attend to people's needs.
The premises were clean and tidy. There was a record of essential maintenance carried out. Appropriate fire safety arrangements were in place. Steps had been taken to protect people from the risk of infections.
Staff received appropriate training and they had the knowledge and skills to support people and were supervised. Staff spoke positively about their experiences working at the home. They said that there was good teamwork in the home and they received support from the registered manager.
Staff supported people to have a healthy and nutritious diet that was in line with their individual dietary needs and preferences.
Staff understood their obligations regarding the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is required by law to monitor the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. DoLS ensure that an individual being deprived of their liberty is monitored and the reasons why they are being restricted is regularly reviewed to make sure it is still
in the person's best interests. DoLS authorisations were in place where appropriate and where these had expired, the registered manager had notified the appropriate authority.
Staff and management understood the need to promote equality and diversity and considered people’s protected characteristics.
People’s care plans supported a person-centred approach. People received support to lead lifestyles of their choosing, access the local community and participate in recreational activities.
An appropriate complaints procedure was in place. We noted that since the last inspection, the service had not received any formal written complaints.
The service had an open and inclusive culture. The home was managed effectively. Management monitored the quality of the services and safety of the service to ensure it remained safe for people. Quality assurance systems were in place to enable management to monitor and improve the quality of people’s care.
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was good (report published on 20 October 2017).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.