Independence with Dignity Support Services Ltd received a Good rating across all five key questions at its first inspection in May 2023, demonstrating a safe, well-led and person-centred domiciliary care service. Minor gaps in PRN medication protocols and staff training currency were identified but promptly rectified by the registered manager on the day of inspection.
Concerns (3)
minor
Medication management
: “Where people had 'when required' (PRN) medicines there was not always a protocol in place. However, when we raised this with the registered manager, she rectified it immediately.”
minorStaff training: “Not all staff's training was up to date at the time of the inspection. However, when this was raised with the registered manager, she immediately organised the necessary training for staff.”
minorGovernance: “The registered manager carried out audits annually which was in line with the service's policy... she plans to hire another staff member to enable her to complete audits and checks more frequently.”
Strengths
· People and relatives consistently reported feeling safe and praised the high standard of care provided.
· Robust and personalised risk assessments, updated annually or when needs changed, with clear guidance for staff.
· Strong safeguarding culture with all staff trained and confident to raise concerns.
· Effective recruitment practices including up-to-date DBS checks for all staff.
· Registered manager and duty manager highly regarded by health and social care professionals for competence and partnership working.
Quality-Statement breakdown (25)
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 enough to maintain a balanced dietGood
effective: Staff working with other agencies to provide consistent, effective, timely careGood
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 to avoid social isolationGood
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 staffGood
well-led: Continuous learning and improving careGood