I Care (GB) Limited - Marston Gardens

Updated 2 July 2021

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 Care Act 2014.

As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.

Inspection team

This inspection was carried out by one inspector and an Expert by Experience.. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Service and service type

This service provides care and support to people living in specialist ‘extra care’ housing. Extra care housing is purpose-built or adapted single household accommodation in a shared site or building. The accommodation is bought or rented and is the occupant’s own home. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for extra care housing; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support service.

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. 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.

Notice of inspection

We gave the service a short period of 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 20 May 2021 and ended on 24 May 2021. We visited the office location on 20 May 2021.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return in time prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report.

We used all of this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with four members of staff including the registered manager.

We reviewed a range of records. This included three people’s care records and multiple medication records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data and quality assurance records. We received feedback from three professionals who regularly work with the service. The Expert by Experience spoke with eight people who used the service and two family members.

Updated 2 July 2021

About the service

I Care (GB) Limited - Marston Gardens comprises of 24 flats with 25 tenants living in them. The company is registered with the Care Quality Commission as a domiciliary care agency, so that a care service can be provided for people who live there if they require this. At the time of inspection 24 people were receiving a personal care service.

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.

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

People's care needs were assessed and care plans developed to meet their needs. People received the right care in line with these plans. Care records included risk assessments that were well-kept and up-to-date. People and their relatives told us that they were involved in decisions about their care and support.

People received their medicines safely and there were regular checks carried out of medicines and finances. GPs and other healthcare professionals were contacted for advice about people’s health needs whenever necessary. The provider had systems in place to ensure that people were protected from the risk of harm or abuse.

The registered manager had quality assurance processes in place including audits, staff meetings and quality questionnaires. There was partnership working with other professionals such as local authority departments, those of whom we spoke with were all positive about the working relationships.

Staff were recruited and inducted into their roles safely and there were enough staff available to meet people's day to day needs. Staff received training appropriate to their role and regular supervision.

The registered manager and staff had a good understanding of people's needs. There were systems in place to maintain good communication and ensure everyone understood their duties.

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.

This service was registered with us on 11/12/2019 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

The inspection was prompted (in part) due to concerns and risks that were identified at another I Care (GB) Limited location. A decision was made for us to inspect and examine those risks.

We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.