ISSAC

“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 the assessment, 14 people were receiving personal care and came under the regulated service.”

“We assessed the service against the principles of Right Support, Right Care, Right Culture guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with autism and a learning disability respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.We found the service was meeting the principles of this guidance. Staff supported people to remain independent in their own homes, maintain relationships and access opportunities within their local communities.”

“The provider made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, whoreceived effective support, supervision and development. They worked together well to providesafe care which met people’s individual needs. Recruitment checks were carried out before staff worked at the service.”

“Staff used an electronic care management system to record care delivery, daily notes and observations in real time. This enabled consistent communication across the staff team and ensured important information, such as changes in health, risks or actions required, was shared promptly.”

“The provider promoted an inclusive and fair workplace. Employment practices were flexible and responsive to individual needs, supporting staff to balance their work and personal commitments. One staff member described how this enabled them to work while managing their caring responsibilities.”

“The nominated individual, who is the person appointed by the provider with overall responsibility for supervising the management of the regulated activity, was also the registered manager. They were visible, approachable and actively involved in the day-to-day running of the service. They told us they were looking to expand the home care service. However, they reported challenges in relation to recruitment and receiving new referrals due to the large number of care providers operating within the local area. They explained they were committed to maintaining safe staffing levels and did not intend to expand the service or accept additional referrals until sufficient staff were in place to support people safely and effectively.”