This inspection was announced and took place on 22 December 2016 and 4 January 2017. We told the provider one day before our visit that we would be coming to ensure that the people we needed to talk to would be available. AQS Homecare Dorset provides personal care and support to people who live in their own homes. At the time of our inspection the agency was providing personal care and support to approximately 100 people in their homes.
A registered manager was in post at the time of the inspection. 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.
People’s care and support needs were met. People, and returned surveys, informed us that care workers were kind, caring and respectful.
Staff had been trained in safeguarding adults and were knowledgeable about the types of abuse and how take action if they had concerns.
Accidents and incidents were monitored to look for any trends where action could be taken to reduce likelihood of recurrence.
Robust recruitment systems were being followed to make sure that suitable, qualified staff were employed in the right numbers for effective running of the service.
Where assistance with, or administration of medicines formed part of a person’s care package, this was managed safely.
The staff team were suitably trained to provide them with the knowledge and skills for them to fulfil their role effectively.
Staff were well supported through supervision sessions with a line manager, and an annual performance review.
Staff and the manager were aware of the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and acted in people’s best interests where people lacked capacity to consent.
People and staff were very positive about the standards of care provided. People were treated compassionately as individuals, with staff knowing people’s needs.
People’s care needs had been thoroughly assessed and care plans put in place to inform staff of how to care for and support people. The plans were person centred and covered all areas of people’s needs. The plans we looked at in depth were up to date and accurate.
There were complaint systems in place and people were aware of how to make a complaint.
The agency was well led with a positive, open culture prevailing.
There were systems in place to audit and monitor the quality of service provided to people.