Background to this inspection
Updated
11 May 2022
The inspection
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.
Inspection team
The inspection was undertaken by one inspector.
Service and service type
This service provides care and support to people living in a ‘supported living’ setting, so that they can live as independently as possible. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for supported living; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support.
Registered Manager
This service is required to have a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided. At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post. The registered manager was also one of the providers of the service.
Notice of inspection
We gave the service 48 hours’ notice of the inspection. This was because it is a small service and we needed to be sure that the provider or registered manager would be in the office to support the inspection.
Inspection activity started on 12 April 2022 and ended on 13 April 2022. We visited the location’s office on 12 April 2022.
What we did before the inspection
The provider was not asked to complete a Provider Information Return (PIR) prior to this inspection. A PIR is information providers send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We reviewed information we had received about the service and we sought feedback from the local authority. We used all this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with two people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We did this in their home after they gave us permission to visit. We spoke with five members of staff including the registered manager and manager, who were both also owners of the company, and care workers.
We reviewed a range of records. This included two people’s care records and medication records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
After the inspection
We continued to receive information and evidence to support the inspection.
Updated
11 May 2022
About the service
Willow Tree Support provides a supported living and domiciliary care service. 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. Not everyone who used the service received personal care. At the time of the inspection the service provided personal care in a supported living service to two people.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
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.
People told us they felt safe with the staff. People were protected from the risk of harm, abuse and discrimination. Risks to individuals and staff were well managed. There was a positive approach to risk taking, with an emphasis on safely promoting people’s well-being, choice and independence. Staff had been recruited safely and there were sufficient staff to meet people’s needs. Medicines were stored, managed and administered safely. Risks associated with Covid-19 had been well managed. An open, culture of learning was present. Following any accident or incidents information was reviewed to see if any lessons could be learned or improvements could be made.
People’s needs were assessed prior to them starting to use the service to ensure their needs could be met. A person-centred transition plan was developed to help people settle in well. Staff received the training, supervision and support they needed. People attended regular routine health screening. Staff worked closely with other health care professionals to ensure people’s health needs were met.
People told us the staff were caring. One person said, “The staff are nice people. They are fair and good. I couldn’t ask for anything better. They are a good team.” Staff interacted in a calm, supportive and friendly manner with people. Staff and the managers spoke with compassion and empathy about people who used the service. People were involved in decisions about their care and support. There was a clear commitment and focus on supporting people to develop their independence and choices.
People received personalised care that took account of their needs, wishes and preferences. Care records were detailed and person centred. People were supported to avoid social isolation and encouraged to take part in activities at their home and in the wider community.
The service was well managed. Monitoring, audits and spot checks were thorough and records demonstrated any issues identified were addressed. The providers had a clear passion and commitment to providing a person-centred responsive service. Staff we spoke with shared that commitment and spoke very positively about the work they did and how the service was managed. People who used the service spoke very positively about the service, managers and staff.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 12 November 2020 and this is the first inspection.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection to provide a rating for the service.
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.
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.