Mass Home Care, a Taunton-based domiciliary care agency supporting 15 people, was rated Good overall and across all five key questions at its first inspection. Minor improvements were noted around recording exploration of employment gaps and including previous findings/recommendations in quarterly audits.
Concerns (2)
minor
Record keeping
: “some application forms did not contain comprehensive information about staff's previous employment. Gaps in employment had not always been explored.”
minorGovernance: “we noted that the format did not list any previous findings or any recommendations from the audit. This would help to promote ongoing improvements.”
Strengths
· People felt safe and comfortable with staff and were cared for by small consistent teams who built trusting relationships
· Personalised care plans included life histories and reflected people's wishes and preferences
· Staff were described as extremely kind, polite and respectful, promoting independence and dignity
· Robust medication administration with competency assessments and electronic task tracking
· Effective infection prevention and control, including PPE use and up-to-date policy
Quality-Statement breakdown (20)
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseNot rated
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and management; Learning lessons when things go wrongNot rated
safe: Staffing and recruitmentNot rated
safe: Using medicines safelyNot rated
safe: Preventing and controlling infectionNot rated
effective: Assessing people's needs and choices; delivering care in line with standards, guidance and the lawNot rated
effective: Staff support: induction, training, skills and experienceNot rated
effective: Supporting people to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced dietNot rated
effective: Staff working with other agencies; supporting people to access healthcareNot rated
effective: Ensuring consent to care and treatment in line with law and guidanceNot rated
caring: Ensuring people are well treated and supported; respecting equality and diversityNot rated
caring: Supporting people to express their views and be involved in making decisions about their careNot rated
caring: Respecting and promoting people's privacy, dignity and independenceNot rated
responsive: Planning personalised care to ensure choice and control and meet needs and preferencesNot rated
responsive: Meeting people's communication needsNot rated
responsive: Improving care quality in response to complaints or concernsNot rated
responsive: End of life care and supportNot rated
well-led: Promoting a positive, person-centred culture and duty of candourNot rated
well-led: Managers and staff understanding roles, quality, risks and regulatory requirements; continuous learningNot rated
well-led: Engaging and involving people, public and staff; working in partnership with othersNot rated