Background to this inspection
Updated
12 November 2016
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
This inspection took place on 30, 31 August and 1 September 2016 and was announced. The inspection team consisted of one inspector.
Prior to this inspection we reviewed all the information we held about the service, including data about safeguarding and statutory notifications. Statutory notifications are information about important events which the provider is required to send us by law. Before the inspection, the provider completed a Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.
As some people who received a service from Wealden Community Support Services were not consistently able to tell us about their experiences, we observed the care and support being provided and talked with relatives and other people involved with people’s care provision during and following the inspection. As part of the inspection we spoke with the registered manager, directly provided services manager, one team leader, three staff, eight people and three people’s relatives. We looked at a range of records about people’s care and how the service was managed. We looked at four people’s care plans, medication administration records, risk assessments, accident and incident records, complaints records and quality audits that had been completed. We last inspected Wealden Community Support Services in March 2014 when we found the service was compliant.
Updated
12 November 2016
This inspection took place on 30 August, 31 August and 1 September 2016. To ensure we met staff at the service’s main office, we gave short notice of our inspection. This location is registered to provide personal care to people in their own homes. The service provided support to 50 people with a learning disability in the community. However only two people received support with personal care which is a regulatory activity registered by CQC. In addition to the domiciliary care service there was also a supported living service for six people who received support under the regulated activity. This inspection focused on the care and support provided to eight people where they received a service registered by CQC.
People who used the service were adults aged 18 and over with a learning disability. People had different communication needs. People used verbal and non-verbal communication.
The service had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations about how the service is run.
Staff were trained in how to protect people from abuse and harm. They knew how to recognise signs of abuse and how to raise an alert if they had any concerns. Risk assessments were effective and promoted positive risk taking. Risk assessments took account of people’s right to make their own decisions.
There were sufficient staff on duty to meet people’s needs. Staffing levels were adjusted according to people’s changing needs. There were safe recruitment procedures in place which included obtaining references and photographic ID. Staff were trained in the safe administration of medicines and supported people with their medicines safely.
Staff knew each person well and understood how to meet their needs. Each person’s needs and personal preferences had been assessed and people had been involved in their own reviews. Staff received effective training and supervision to monitor their performance and professional development. Staff understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA).
People had enough to eat and drink, and received support from staff where a need had been identified. People’s special dietary needs were clearly documented and staff ensured these needs were met.
Staff communicated effectively with people, responded swiftly to their needs and treated them with kindness and respect. People’s privacy was respected and people were assisted in a way that respected their dignity. People were involved in their day to day care and support.
People were promptly referred to health care professionals when needed and were supported to access specialist medical assistance when they needed it. The staff promoted people’s independence and encouraged people to do as much as possible for themselves. People were involved in planning activities of their choice.
People received care that was based on their needs and preferences. They were involved in all aspects of their care and were supported to lead their lives in the way they wanted. People’s views and opinions were sought and listened to. Feedback from people receiving support was used to drive improvements.
The culture of the service was open and person focused. The registered manager provided clear leadership to the staff team and was an active presence in the service. There was strong emphasis on continual improvement and best practice which benefited people and staff. There were robust systems to ensure quality and identify any potential improvements to the service.