9 July 2015
During a routine inspection
Rochdale and Oldham Crossroads Caring for Carers is registered to provide care to adults and children within their own homes or out in their local community. The service provides support for people who care for a relative or friend to enable these people to have a short break from their caring responsibilities. At the time of our inspection approximately 200 people used the service.
We undertook an announced inspection of Rochdale and Oldham Crossroads Caring for Carers on 7 July 2015. The inspection was announced 48 hours prior to our visit to ensure the office was open.
The service had 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.
Recruitment processes were robust to protect people who used the service against receiving support from staff who were unsuitable. Staff received regular training and were knowledgeable about their roles and responsibilities. Staff had completed or were working towards a nationally recognised qualification. The needs of people who used the service were matched with staff who had the relevant skills and experience.
Care plans were in place to reflect the needs of people who used the service. Care plans captured how people wanted to be supported, and recorded their likes and dislikes. People were involved in decision making throughout the initial assessment and during reviews.
Staff supported people to access the community and attend health appointments.
People who used the service were also able to raise any concerns if they wished with the management team.
The registered manager told us that she met with people who used the service annually to formally review the care package. However, the registered manager said she encouraged people to contact her at any time if they needed to discuss the care and support provided.
We saw the manager analysed incidents, accidents and compliments to improve the service or minimise risk. Policies and procedures were in place for the safe management of medicines.