First inspection of a small domiciliary care agency supporting one person, rated Good across all five key questions with safe recruitment, kind staff and a positive culture. Minor recommendations were made around accuracy of assessment records, induction documentation and awareness of the Accessible Information Standard, with governance systems still being embedded.
Concerns (4)
minor
Record keeping
: “We saw information from an initial assessment differed from information stated in a review, despite no change in support needs.”
minorStaff training: “induction templates to document people were supported by competent, skilled staff had not been completed sufficiently.”
minorCommunication with families: “The registered manager was unaware of the Accessible Information Standards.”
minorGovernance: “Although there were systems in place to monitor the safety and quality of the service provided, these systems and processes were still being developed by the management team.”
Strengths
· Safe recruitment processes including DBS checks and references
· Sufficient staff with good reliability and punctuality
· Staff followed COVID-19 guidance and used appropriate PPE
· Staff supported to complete additional qualifications and continuous learning
· Kind, respectful and patient staff who promote independence
Quality-Statement breakdown (22)
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseNot rated
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and managementNot rated
safe: Staffing and recruitmentNot rated
safe: Using medicines safelyNot rated
safe: Preventing and controlling infectionNot rated
safe: Learning lessons when things go wrongNot rated
effective: Assessing people's needs and choices; delivering care in line with standards, guidance and the lawNot rated
effective: Staff support: induction, training, skills and experienceNot rated
effective: Supporting people to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced dietNot rated
effective: Staff working with other agencies; supporting people to live healthier lives, access healthcare services and supportNot rated
effective: Ensuring consent to care and treatment in line with law and guidanceNot rated
caring: Ensuring people are well treated and supported; respecting equality and diversityNot rated
caring: Supporting people to express their views and be involved in making decisions about their careNot rated
caring: Respecting and promoting people's privacy, dignity and independenceNot rated
responsive: Planning personalised care to ensure people have choice and control and to meet their needs and preferencesNot rated
responsive: Meeting people's communication needsNot rated
responsive: Improving care quality in response to complaints or concernsNot rated
responsive: End of life care and supportNot rated
well-led: Promoting a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empoweringNot rated
well-led: How the provider understands and acts on the duty of candourNot rated
well-led: Managers and staff being clear about their roles, and understanding quality performance, risks and regulatory requirementsNot rated
well-led: Continuous learning and improving care; working in partnership with othersNot rated