Ivybae Care

Updated 11 February 2023

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

Inspection team

The inspection was carried out by one inspector.

Service and service type

This service is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own houses and flats.

Registered Manager

This service is required to have a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.

Notice of inspection

We gave the service 48 hours’ notice of the inspection. This was because it is a small service and we needed to be sure that the provider or registered manager would be in the office to support the inspection.

Inspection activity started on 24 January 2023 and ended on 3 February 2023. We visited the location’s office on 24 January 2023.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with 8 members of staff, which included the registered manager.

We reviewed a range of records. We looked at a variety of records relating to the care and support provided. This included 4 care files and 3 staff files in relation to recruitment, and various audits/reports relating to the quality and safety of the service. We requested a variety of records were sent to us relating to staff training and regards the management of the service.

After the inspection

After our visit we sought feedback from people using the service and relatives to obtain their views of the service provided to people. We received feedback from 6 people using the service and 3 relatives. We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found.

Updated 11 February 2023

About the service

Ivybae Care is a domiciliary care service, supporting adults in the community who require assistance with personal care. Not everyone who used the service received personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided. At the time of our inspection there were 35 people using the service.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People felt safe and supported by staff in their homes. Comments included, “The carers are wonderful. I am very happy with them. They keep me safe.” A relative commented, “We are so happy with the care [person’s name] receives. [Person’s name] wouldn’t be able to live at home without them. From the start, a really good package of care was put in place, which meets [person’s name] needs, he is definitely safe. Cannot fault the carers.”

Staff demonstrated an understanding of what might constitute abuse and knew how to report any concerns they might have.

People’s individual risks were identified, and risk assessment reviews were carried out to identify ways to keep people safe. Medicines were managed as necessary. Effective infection control measures were in place. The principles of the Mental Capacity Act were adhered to when necessary.

People confirmed that staffing arrangements met their needs. They were happy with staff timekeeping and confirmed they always stayed the allotted time.

Staffing arrangements matched the support commissioned and staff skills were integral to this to suit people’s needs. Where a person’s needs increased or decreased, staffing was adjusted accordingly.

There were effective staff recruitment and selection processes in place. People received effective care and support from staff who were well trained and competent.

Care files were personalised to reflect people’s personal preferences. Their views and suggestions were taken into account to improve the service. People were supported to maintain a balanced diet. Health and social care professionals were regularly involved in people’s care to ensure they received the care and treatment which was right for them.

Staff relationships with people were caring and supportive. Staff provided care that was kind and compassionate. People commented: "My carers are wonderful. They are an inspiration” and “The carers are so kind and caring. I cannot fault them. Would definitely recommend Ivybae Care.” A relative commented, “The carers are absolutely lovely. They have learnt how to care for dad, they have a lovely rapport. The carers really show an interest in dad and make time to get to know him.”

Staff spoke positively about communication and how the registered manager worked well with them and encouraged their professional development.

A number of methods were used to assess the quality and safety of the service people received. The service made continuous improvements in response to their findings.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

This service was registered with us on 30 November 2021 and this is their first inspection.

Why we inspected

This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.