Townfield Home Care achieved an overall Good rating across all inspected key questions (Safe, Effective, Well-led) at its July 2023 inspection, with people and relatives reporting positive experiences and staff demonstrating strong safeguarding, recruitment and governance practices. Recommendations were made to improve the detail and person-centredness of risk assessments and care records, and to address non-compliant Mental Capacity Act documentation practices.
Concerns (6)
moderateCare planning: “some care records did not include important information relating to people's specific support needs, and risk assessments lacked detailed strategies to guide staff.”
moderateCare planning: “Some care records lacked comprehensive information regarding people's health conditions, diagnosis, behaviours, and other needs such as communication.”
moderateConsent / capacity: “they detailed decisions made even for those people assessed as having capacity and some forms were used to assess people for several decisions, which is against the principles of MCA guidance.”
moderateConsent / capacity: “care coordinators had signed mental capacity assessments and best interest decision forms rather than the person receiving care or their next of kin.”
minorMedication management: “information around people's needs or preferences regarding medication administration was lacking person-centred information.”
minorRecord keeping: “it was not always clear if periodic checks or servicing had been carried out to ensure equipment was safe for staff to use.”
Strengths
· Robust recruitment procedures including DBS and reference checks were followed for all staff.
· Medication was generally managed safely with monthly audits, spot checks and staff competency assessments.
· Staff received a robust induction with shadowing and face-to-face training including use of mobility equipment.
· Regular supervisions, appraisals and observational spot checks helped maintain staff competency and positive culture.
· Effective safeguarding processes with a maintained log of concerns, notifications and actions taken.
Quality-Statement breakdown (16)
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and managementGood
safe: Staffing and recruitmentGood
safe: Using medicines safelyGood
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseGood
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: Ensuring consent to care and treatment in line with law and guidanceGood
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 careGood
well-led: Promoting a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empoweringGood
well-led: How the provider understands and acts on the duty of candourGood
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