Empathy Care Services received a Good rating across all five key questions on its first CQC inspection, demonstrating safe, person-centred domiciliary care with strong leadership and staff culture. Minor gaps in care plan detail and MAR documentation were identified but were being addressed by the registered manager.
Concerns (3)
moderate
Record keeping
: “we found one person who needed medicines administered in a specific way and time, and this information had not been included on the person's MAR.”
minorCare planning: “In some people's care plans however, further detail was required around the orientation of a sling to a lifting hoist.”
minorMissed or late visits: “Some people however had care call visits that were not as evenly spaced as planned. The registered manager was aware of this and had reminded staff to report when running late.”
Strengths
· Consistent and knowledgeable staff team with robust safeguarding awareness and safe recruitment processes.
· Medicines administered correctly with no missed doses reported by people or relatives.
· Strong person-centred culture with staff respecting dignity, privacy, independence and individual preferences.
· Effective multi-agency working with GPs, SALTs, community nurses and social workers.
· Registered manager led by example, fostering an open, honest culture with effective quality assurance and incident learning.