Aitop Healthcare Limited, a single-person domiciliary care agency in Corby, was rated Good across all five key questions at its January 2023 inspection, having previously been unrated. The registered manager, who also delivers care directly, demonstrated strong person-centred practice, robust risk management, and effective governance systems appropriate to the service's current scale.
Strengths
· Risk assessments were in place and reviewed regularly, with clear guidance on reducing identified risks.
· Care plans were holistic, person-centred, and included equality, diversity, and human rights considerations.
· The registered manager was described as reliable, compassionate, and caring, receiving a '5 stars' endorsement from a relative.
· Consent was embedded throughout care records and sought before every care interaction.
· Quality assurance audits were in place with plans to develop systems as the service grew.
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 enough to maintain a balanced dietGood
effective: Supporting people to live healthier lives, access healthcare services and supportGood
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; continuous learning and improving careGood
First inspection of Aitop Healthcare, a small domiciliary care agency supporting one person, where the registered manager personally delivered care safely, on time and with respect. There was insufficient information to award ratings, but no concerns were identified across any of the five key questions.
Strengths
· Risk assessments in place and reviewed regularly with clear guidance for staff on falls, skin integrity and moving and handling
· Support visits took place on time and consistent care was provided by the registered manager
· Safe medicines support including use of body charts for topical creams
· Sufficient PPE stocks and regular COVID-19 testing in line with government guidance
· Holistic, person-centred care plans considering equality, diversity, religious, cultural and spiritual needs