Pathways to Opportunities, a domiciliary care agency serving 12 people including those with learning disabilities, was rated Good across all five key questions at its October 2023 inspection. Two recommendations were made regarding PRN medicines protocols and the frequency of staff medicine competency assessments, but no regulatory breaches were identified.
Concerns (3)
minor
Medication management
: “the PRN protocols did not always contain detailed information. We recommend the provider reviews their PRN medicines systems in line with best practice.”
minorMedication management: “although staff had a good understanding of the medication administration processes, their competency assessments were not always refreshed in a timely manner.”
minorEnd-of-life care: “Care plans did not contain people's end of life wished. The registered manager assured us they will update people's care plans to incorporate their end of life wishes.”
Strengths
· People received person-centred care of a high standard and staff knew people extremely well, leading to good outcomes.
· Robust recruitment checks were in place and staffing levels were well monitored with no missed visits reported.
· Medicines were managed safely with MARs completed daily and staff trained before administering medicines.
· Care plans were detailed, person-centred and regularly reviewed with involvement from people and relatives.
· Staff received ongoing training including safeguarding, MCA, infection control, equality and diversity, and positive behaviour management.