Descare Ltd received a Good rating across all five key questions at its first inspection, with only two people receiving personal care at the time. Minor gaps in staff recruitment references and formalisation of supervision and spot-check records were noted but were being actively addressed by the management team.
Concerns (3)
minor
Record keeping
: “There were some gaps in obtaining a second reference for some staff. This was being rectified and a risk assessment was in place to explain the rationale for employment.”
minorSupervision / appraisal: “Formal supervisions and spot checks were being introduced. Some staff had received an annual appraisal of their work.”
minorGovernance: “They were aware that as the service grew more formal arrangements were needed such as maintaining records of spot checks that were completed on staff.”
Strengths
· People and relatives consistently praised staff as kind, caring and respectful, with multiple 10/10 ratings reported.
· Regular and familiar staff allocated to people, with no missed calls recorded and reliable, punctual attendance confirmed by a social care professional.
· Electronic monitoring system enabled real-time oversight of visit times and duration, with secure relative access.
· Registered manager was highly hands-on, working alongside staff to monitor care delivery and ensure person-centred outcomes.
· Comprehensive person-centred care plans including communication passports, easy-read formats and independence-promoting guidance.
Quality-Statement breakdown (22)
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseGood
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and managementGood
safe: Staffing and recruitmentGood
safe: Using medicines safelyGood
safe: Preventing and controlling infectionGood
safe: Learning lessons when things go wrongGood
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; working with other agencies; accessing healthcareGood
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: Supporting people to develop and maintain relationships and take part in activitiesGood
responsive: Improving care quality in response to complaints or concernsGood
responsive: End of life care and supportNot rated
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, continuous learning and working in partnershipGood