8 December 2015
During a routine inspection
This inspection took place on 8 December 2015 when we visited the office of the provider. We spoke with people who used the service, their relatives and external health professionals on 9 and 10 December 2015.
This was an announced inspection. The provider was given 48 hours' notice. This was because the location provides a domiciliary care service. We wanted to make sure a registered manager would be available to support our inspection, or someone who could act on their behalf. The inspection was carried out by one inspector.
There was a registered manager in post at the time of our inspection. This 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 were kept safe and staff were knowledgeable about reporting any incident of harm. People were looked after by enough staff to support them with their individual needs. Some people's care needs meant that two staff were required to provide personal care, and this was provided as needed.
People were supported to take their medicines if needed, and staff had received training to support people safely. Where there had been errors or incidents, these were reported and acted upon, and appropriate action was taken.
Staff received an induction when they started in their roles. They were supervised on a regular basis, with planned supervision sessions and 'spot' checks by senior staff that were unannounced.
People were asked for consent before care was provided and this was documented. Staff told us they always assumed people were able to make decisions and choices about their care.
The service was responsive to people's individual needs and wishes. People were cared for by kind, respectful and attentive staff. They and their relatives were given opportunities to be involved in the development of individual care plans.
The registered manager and the management team assessed and monitored the quality of care. They encouraged feedback from people, which was used to make improvements.
People told us the service was well managed and they felt they could approach the management team if they had any concerns or complaints. There was a process in place so that people's concerns and complaints were listened to and acted upon.