Background to this inspection
Updated
18 August 2017
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
This comprehensive inspection took place on 07 July 2017 and was announced. The provider was given 48 hours’ notice because the location provides a domiciliary care service; we needed to be sure that the registered manager would be available.
The inspection was carried out by one inspector.
Before the inspection the provider completed a Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We checked the information we held about this service and the service provider. We also contacted the Local Authority. No concerns had been raised and the service met the regulations we inspected against at the last inspection.
We spoke with six people who used the service. In addition we had discussions with three staff members that included the registered manager and two care staff. We reviewed four people’s care records, two medication records, four staff files and other records relating to the management of the service, such as the complaints log, quality audits and staff training records.
Updated
18 August 2017
Imperial Court is a complex of 41 sheltered apartments. People who live in the complex have the option of having personal care as well as support with housekeeping and social activities provided by staff who work there. At the time of our inspection 46 people were using the service.
At the last inspection, the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.
There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
During the previous inspection we found some areas of concern in relation to the monitoring of people’s records and quality assurance systems used to drive improvement at the service.
At this inspection we saw that improvements had been made. Peoples care plans and risk assessments were regularly monitored to ensure they had been updated in accordance with any changes in their care needs. Quality audits had also been regularly completed to establish further areas for improvement at the service. Action plans were in place and were updated after checks and audits, to help develop the service. The registered manager also submitted statutory notifications to the CQC when required. In addition we found there were effective management and leadership arrangements in place. Systems were also in place to monitor the quality of the service provided. Action plans were in place and were updated after checks and audits, to help further develop the service. The registered manager also submitted statutory notifications to the CQC when required.
People using the service felt safe. Staff had received training to enable them to recognise signs and symptoms of abuse and felt confident in how to report them. People had risk assessments in place to enable them to be as independent as they could be in a safe manner. Staff knew how to manage risks to promote people’s safety. There were sufficient staff, with the correct skill mix to support people with their care needs. Effective recruitment processes were in place and followed by the service. Staff were not offered employment until satisfactory checks had been completed.
Medicines were managed safely. The processes in place ensured that the administration and handling of medicines was suitable for the people who used the service.
Staff received a comprehensive induction process and on-going training. They were well supported by the registered manager and had regular one to one time for supervisions and annual appraisals. Staff had attended a variety of training to ensure they were able to provide care based on current practice when supporting people.
Staff gained consent before supporting people and had signed consent within their care plans. People were supported to make decisions about all aspects of their life; this was underpinned by the Mental Capacity Act 2005. People were able to make choices about the food and drink they had, and staff gave support when required.
People were supported to access a variety of health professional when required, including opticians and doctors, to make sure they received continuing healthcare to meet their needs.
Staff provided care and support in a caring and meaningful way. They knew the people who used the service well. People were given choices about their day to day routines and about how they wanted their care to be delivered. People’s privacy and dignity was maintained at all times.
People and relatives, where appropriate, were involved in the planning of their care and support. Care plans were detailed and provided staff with the guidance they needed to meet people’s needs. The service had a complaints procedure to enable people to raise a complaint if the need arose.