Archived: Mulberry Living Limited

Mulberry Living Limited provides personal care and support for people in their own homes. This includes people that are old and frail, some of whom have disabilities. At the time of our inspection the service provided personal care to approximately 36 people. Other people who used the service were not receiving personal care.

At the last inspection in May 2016, the service was rated Good, however there were breaches in regulations around the lack of security of how records were stored and maintained. We also needed to ensure that appropriate notifications were being sent to the CQC in relation to any incidents of alleged safeguarding concerns. At this inspection we found the service remained Good and the breaches had been met.

Staff were contacted by phone call rather than texting personal information if they were required to visit a person at late notice. The registered manager told us that they were still looking into a more secure technology system to communicate people’s needs to staff.

All staff were required to complete a detailed accident and incident form at the office and the registered manager signed these off when reviewed to ensure that action had been taken.

Pen profiles for some people were kept in the office so that staff had information about the person before they visited them. However, the registered manager assured us those files that did not have the profiles would be completed soon.

There were other systems in place that were being used to improve the quality of care including audits of care notes, medicines, care plans and accident and incidents form. In addition spot checks were undertaken for each member of staff and people were asked their views of the service. However, the registered manager had not recorded how many people had been contacted. They told us that they would ensure that this was done.

People, one relative and staff were positive about the management of the service. Comments included, “I think the manager is very good and the carers are very nice indeed” and “I have raised things with (the registered manager) and I always feel she listens.”

Services that provide health and social care to people are required to inform the Care Quality Commission (CQC) of important events that happen in the service. The registered manager had informed the CQC of significant events.

There was a registered manager in post and at the inspection. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 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.

People's records were not always kept securely and improvements were needed around how records were updated and maintained. Audits and surveys had been undertaken with people and had been used to improve the quality of care for people. However, other audits although staff told you they took place were not evidenced.

Services that provide health and social care to people are required to inform the Care Quality Commission (CQC) of important events that happen in the service. The registered manager had not always informed the CQC of events which related to safeguarding concerns.

There were clear plans for staff to show what care was needed for people. Care plans were written in a personalised way based on the needs of the person concerned.

There were sufficient numbers of skilled and experienced staff deployed to support people. Team leaders and senior staff provided support to care staff when needed.

People and their relatives told us they were supported by regular staff who knew their needs and preferences well.

Systems were in place to ensure that people who used the service were protected from the risk of abuse. Staff were aware of procedures to follow to safeguard people from abuse. All staff underwent recruitment checks before they started work. In the event of an emergency the service had a contingency plan that ensured people received their care.

People told us they were involved in decisions about their care and were kept informed. Relatives told us they were always consulted and felt involved.

People were offered support in a way that upheld their dignity. Staff said they would they would close doors and curtains and make sure the person was covered when providing personal care. People were supported at mealtimes and staff ensured that people had enough to eat and drink.

People's rights were being upheld as required by the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005. This is a law that provides a framework to protect people who do not have mental capacity to give their consent or make certain decisions for themselves. Staff were aware of their responsibilities through appropriate training in regards to the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

People were cared for by kind, respectful staff. People told us they looked forward to staff coming to support them.

Medicines were safely administered and people received their medicines in the way that had been prescribed for them. Each care file had clear instructions to care staff stating whether the person was to be supported with medicines as part of their care plan.

During the inspection we found one breach of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. You can see what action we told the provider to take at the back of the full version of the report.