4 Commonwealth House, a small domiciliary care agency serving 2 people, achieved Good ratings across all five key questions on its first CQC inspection in January 2023. The service demonstrated safe recruitment, consistent person-centred care, cultural sensitivity, effective governance and strong leadership by the registered manager.
Strengths
· People felt safe and received consistent care from a small, familiar staff team with no missed or late calls reported.
· Staff completed induction, Care Certificate, MCA and infection control training and were supported through supervisions, spot checks and competency checks.
· Care plans were person-centred, culturally sensitive and accessible to people in their own homes.
· Registered manager maintained regular dialogue with people and relatives via telephone monitoring calls and surveys.
· Service worked effectively with external professionals including GPs, District Nurses and Occupational Therapists.
Quality-Statement breakdown (21)
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 to provide consistent, effective, timely careGood
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 preferencesGood
responsive: Meeting people's communication needsGood
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: 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 staff; continuous learning and improving careGood