Harlesden, a small domiciliary care service supporting two people, was rated Good across all five key questions at this first inspection. Minor improvements were identified around developing quality assurance processes, adding hydration guidance to care plans, and implementing a positive risk-taking policy.
Concerns (3)
minor
Governance
: “separate processes needed to be fully developed to ensure the registered manager had proper oversight of the quality and safety of the care agency”
minorCare planning: “the care plans did not highlight fresh water or squash was readily available and within reach to make sure people were drinking regularly”
minorPerson-centred care: “the service did not have a positive risk-taking policy in place”
Strengths
· Care workers recruited safely with DBS, references and identity checks
· Up-to-date safeguarding and essential training, including Care Certificate induction
· Person-centred care files reflecting choices, likes and dislikes
· Staff matched with people by language, religion and culture
· Safe medicines management with MAR audits and competency assessments
Quality-Statement breakdown (21)
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: 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: Respecting and promoting people's privacy, dignity and independenceNot 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
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: Managers and staff being clear about their roles, and understanding quality performance, risks and regulatory requirementsNot rated
well-led: Working in partnership with othersNot rated