Alyson Homecare received a Good rating across all five key questions in its first inspection, demonstrating safe, person-centred care for one individual with a learning disability and autism. Minor gaps were noted around formal supervision for the registered manager and staff awareness of 'Right support, right care, right culture' guidance, neither of which impacted care quality.
Concerns (2)
minor
Supervision / appraisal
: “there were no formal supervision arrangements in place for the registered manager, but the registered provider confirmed they spoke with them each day and visited the domiciliary care service office twice weekly.”
minorStaff training: “Staff spoken with were not aware of the 'Right support, right care and right culture' terminology which should underpin their day to day working practices.”
Strengths
· Staff supported people to have maximum possible choice, control, and independence over their own lives.
· Person supported by a core group of staff to ensure continuity of care and enable a culture of trust and understanding.
· Detailed, individualised risk assessments in place including home environment and fire evacuation.
· Staff had appropriate medicines training with competency assessments completed.
· Effective multi-agency working, including liaison with Local Authority, GP surgery, pharmacy, and hospital.
Quality-Statement breakdown (21)
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseGood
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and management; Using medicines safelyGood
safe: Staffing and recruitmentGood
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 to provide consistent, effective, timely care; Supporting people to live healthier livesGood
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: Supporting people to express their views and be involved in making decisions about their careGood
caring: Respecting and promoting people's privacy, dignity, and independenceGood
responsive: Planning personalised care to ensure people have choice and control and to meet their needs and preferences; End of life care and supportGood
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
well-led: Promoting a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empowering; Continuous learning and improving careGood
well-led: Managers and staff being clear about their roles, and understanding quality performance, risks and regulatory requirementsGood
well-led: Engaging and involving people using the service, the public and staffGood