Focused inspection rating Caring Companions 4 U LTD as Good overall, with previous breaches of regulation 12 and 17 now resolved. Minor issues remained around staffing pressures, whistleblowing awareness, personalised COVID-19 risk assessments and record-keeping of team meetings.
Concerns (5)
moderateStaffing levels: “The service was impacted by low staffing levels and the management team had been supporting with care calls to ensure people got the care and support they needed.”
minorSafeguarding: “Staff were not always aware of whistleblowing policies and procedures but did understand a need to raise any concerns.”
minorInfection control: “COVID-19 risk assessments were in place but were not always personalised.”
minorCare planning: “Medicines were managed safely, however some care plans needed more specific information on support people required.”
minorRecord keeping: “The service held quarterly team meetings, but meeting agendas and outcomes were not always recorded.”
Strengths
· Risks to people were managed effectively and people were safeguarded from the risk of abuse
· Medicines were managed safely with allergies and GP information highlighted on MARs
· Safe recruitment processes including DBS checks, interviews and references
· New staff completed inductions and shadowing with experienced staff
· Staff supported to complete external equivalent of the Care Certificate
Quality-Statement breakdown (14)
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and managementNot rated
safe: Using medicines safelyNot rated
safe: Preventing and controlling infectionNot rated
safe: Staffing and recruitmentNot rated
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseNot rated
safe: Learning lessons when things go wrongNot rated
effective: Staff support: induction, training, skills and experienceNot rated
effective: Assessing people's needs and choices; delivering care in line with standards, guidance and the lawNot rated
effective: Supporting people to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced dietNot rated
effective: Staff working with other agencies to provide consistent, effective, timely careNot rated
effective: Ensuring consent to care and treatment in line with law and guidanceNot rated
well-led: Managers and staff being clear about their roles, and understanding quality performance, risks and regulatory requirementsNot rated
well-led: Promoting a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empoweringNot rated
well-led: Duty of candour, continuous learning and working in partnership with othersNot rated