Life4ever H.C.S. Ltd, a small domiciliary care service supporting 3 people, received a Good rating across all five key questions at its first CQC inspection in February 2023. The service demonstrated robust recruitment, safe medicines management, personalised care planning, and strong leadership with effective quality monitoring systems.
Strengths
· Family members praised the reliability and good time-keeping of staff, with no concerns raised about the service.
· Robust recruitment process including DBS checks, induction alongside experienced staff, and ongoing supervision and observed practice.
· Staff administered medicines safely with competency regularly assessed; people encouraged to maintain independence in managing their own medicines.
· Registered manager promoted an open, inclusive culture, conducting unannounced spot checks and working alongside staff to maintain quality.
· Care packages were personalised and tailored to individual preferences, with people and family members involved in assessment and review.
Quality-Statement breakdown (23)
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseGood
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and management; Learning lessons when things go wrongGood
safe: Staffing and recruitmentGood
safe: Using medicines safelyGood
safe: Preventing and controlling infectionGood
effective: Assessing people's needs and choices; delivering care in line with standards, guidance and the lawGood
effective: Staff support: induction, training, skills and experienceGood
effective: Supporting people to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced dietGood
effective: Staff working with other agencies to provide consistent, effective, timely care; Supporting people to live healthier livesGood
effective: Ensuring consent to care and treatment in line with law and guidanceGood
caring: Ensuring people are well treated and supported; respecting equality and diversityGood
caring: Supporting people to express their views and be involved in making decisions about their careGood
caring: Respecting and promoting people's privacy, dignity and independenceGood
responsive: Planning personalised care to ensure people have choice and control and to meet their needs and preferencesGood
responsive: Meeting people's communication needsGood
responsive: Improving care quality in response to complaints or concernsGood
responsive: End of life care and supportGood
well-led: Promoting a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empoweringGood
well-led: How the provider understands and acts on the duty of candourGood
well-led: Managers and staff being clear about their roles, and understanding quality performance, risks and regulatory requirementsGood
well-led: Engaging and involving people using the service, the public and staff, fully considering their equality characteristicsGood
well-led: Continuous learning and improving careGood