Frantec, a live-in domiciliary care provider serving 54 people, was rated Good across all five key questions at its February 2016 inspection. Minor recording gaps in medicines administration and quality assurance documentation were identified but promptly addressed by management during the inspection visit.
Concerns (3)
minor
Medication management
: “one person's medicine administration records (MAR) had not been completed by the care worker to show variable doses of as required medicines for pain relief and the times they were administered”
minorRecord keeping: “Not all of the quality assurance systems had been formally recorded but we could see from other records where actions had been taken.”
minorCare planning: “one person's care records showed that they were at risk of developing pressure ulcers and guided care workers to ensure that the person was repositioned regularly. However, we spoke with the care manager about the risks of not identifying clearly how often this should be done.”
Strengths
· People consistently reported feeling safe with care workers, with all questionnaire respondents confirming freedom from abuse or harm.
· Sufficient staffing levels maintained with consistent care worker teams matched to people by skill set and personality.
· Care workers provided with comprehensive induction training including mandatory modules, shadowing, and opportunity to complete the care certificate.
· People and relatives actively involved in care planning and decision-making, with care records provided in accessible formats including larger print and picture/text.
· Strong person-centred care with individualised care plans reflecting preferences, routines, diversity and cultural needs.
Frantec is a domiciliary live-in care agency rated Good overall at its November 2018 inspection, with an Outstanding rating for Caring reflecting exceptional person-centred practice, dignity, and involvement of people in their care. All other key questions remained Good, with no breaches of regulation identified and evidence of continuous improvement across safety, effectiveness, responsiveness, and leadership.
Strengths
· People received an exceptionally caring service with consistent care worker teams and personalised matching using one-page profiles and shared interests.
· Strong safeguarding culture: all care workers understood their responsibilities and knew actions to take if abuse was suspected.
· Medicines management was safe with trained care workers, competency assessments, and regular audits.
· Care workers received comprehensive training including MCA, equality and diversity, epilepsy, challenging behaviour, and communication.
· Regular one-to-one supervision and appraisals were in place, valued by care workers for enhancing skills and learning.