Assisted Lives (Worcester) received an overall Good rating at its first CQC inspection in December 2022, with all five key questions rated Good. Minor shortfalls were identified in medicines competency checks against NICE guidance and the absence of documented end-of-life care plans, both of which the registered manager committed to addressing promptly.
Concerns (3)
moderate
Medication management
: “Staff competency checks were not carried out in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE] guidance.”
minorEnd-of-life care: “Care plans did not include end of life wishes and preferences for people using the service.”
minorRecord keeping: “The provider at the time of inspection had not developed end of life care plans for people using the service.”
Strengths
· People and relatives felt safe and reported staff go above and beyond, with one relative describing staff as 'guardian angels'.
· Detailed, compassionate care plans reflecting individual needs, preferences and risks were in place.
· Safe recruitment practices including DBS checks and references were consistently followed.
· Effective infection prevention and control measures with appropriate PPE use.
· Strong multi-agency working with GPs, district nurses and physiotherapists to achieve good outcomes.
Quality-Statement breakdown (24)
safe: Using medicines safelyGood
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseGood
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and managementGood
safe: Staffing and recruitmentGood
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: Supporting people to develop and maintain relationships to avoid social isolationGood
responsive: Improving care quality in response to complaints or concernsGood
responsive: End of life care and supportGood
well-led: Managers and staff being clear about their roles, and understanding quality performance, risks and regulatory requirementsGood
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: Engaging and involving people using the service, the public and staffGood