8 August 2019
During a routine inspection
Magnaset Limited t/a Care Choice is a domiciliary care agency that provides personal care to people living in their own homes. At the time of inspection 27 people received a service; many of whom were people with a learning disability.
Not everyone who used the service received personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also consider any wider social care provided.
The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People were safely supported by staff who had been trained in safeguarding and were aware of how to report any concerns. Medicines were managed safely with clear guidance recorded in people’s plans for staff to follow. Risks were assessed and where needed staff had worked with professionals to put in place safe systems of work. There were sufficient numbers of staff to support people, most people had a core group of staff. There were times when care had not been able to be provided. However, the registered manager told us they “always tried their best” to find the right staff with the right skills.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice. The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.
People were supported by a staff team who enjoyed their jobs and felt valued. Training was provided to make sure staff had the skills needed to support individuals. People and relatives were all complimentary about the staff employed. Relatives described staff as being “lifelines”, “amazing” and “always professional”. Staff were caring and knew people well.
People had care plans which were reviewed regularly. A copy was available in their homes, so they could look at them whenever they wished. If people’s packages of care allowed social support was provided. This enabled people to engage in a wide range of activity and work opportunities. The provider organised a day service one day per week for people to go and meet friends. Staff also supported some people to go on an annual holiday.
People, relatives and staff all told us the service was well-led. The registered manager was approachable, open and well respected. Feedback was encouraged and used to improve the service. Quality monitoring systems were in place which helped to identify any shortfalls and address them.
We have made a recommendation about quality monitoring systems.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection: The last rating for this service was Good (report published 16 March 2017).
Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up: We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.