First inspection of a newly registered domiciliary care agency supporting one person at the time, rated Good across all five key questions. The registered manager demonstrated safe, person-centred and well-led practices with appropriate policies in place ready to scale as the service grows.
Strengths
· People felt safe with staff and were protected from abuse; registered manager understood safeguarding responsibilities.
· Risks in people's homes and equipment were assessed and reviewed regularly with prompt updates.
· Safe recruitment practices followed including DBS, references, employment history and identification checks.
· Registered manager and staff completed infection control training and used PPE including lateral flow testing before visits.
· Care plans were person-centred, written from the person's perspective and included pictures, life histories and preferences.
Quality-Statement breakdown (23)
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseGood
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and managementGood
safe: Staffing and recruitmentGood
safe: Using medicines safelyGood
safe: Preventing and controlling infectionGood
safe: Learning lessons when things go wrongGood
effective: Assessing people's needs and choices; delivering care in line with standards, guidance and the lawGood
effective: Staff support: induction, training, skills and experienceGood
effective: Supporting people to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced dietGood
effective: Staff working with other agencies; supporting people to live healthier lives, access healthcare services and supportGood
effective: Ensuring consent to care and treatment in line with law and guidanceGood
caring: Ensuring people are well treated and supported; respecting equality and diversityGood
caring: Respecting and promoting people's privacy, dignity and independenceGood
caring: Supporting people to express their views and be involved in making decisions about their careGood
responsive: Planning personalised care to ensure people have choice and control and to meet their needs and preferencesGood
responsive: Meeting people's communication needsGood
responsive: Supporting people to develop and maintain relationships to avoid social isolationGood
responsive: Improving care quality in response to complaints or concernsGood
responsive: End of life care and supportGood
well-led: Promoting a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empoweringGood
well-led: Duty of candourGood
well-led: Managers and staff being clear about their roles and understanding quality performance, risks and regulatory requirementsGood
well-led: Continuous learning and improving care; working in partnership with othersGood