About the Service:

Domiciliary Services, Adelphi Care Services Limited operates a supported living service and outreach provision to adults. The registered provider specialises in delivering care to people with learning disabilities and people on the autistic spectrum.

A supported living service enables people with a learning disability to live in their own home and the outreach provision is a service which supports people to access their local community with support from staff. At the time of the inspection four people were receiving support.

People’s experience of using this service:

People were protected from harm and avoidable abuse; staff were familiar with safeguarding procedures and knew how to report any concerns as and when they presented.

People’s level of risk was assessed from the outset. Support measures were put in place and the level of risk was monitored and assessed.

Safe medication practices were in place; people received support with their medication from staff who were trained and had their competency levels checked.

Staffing levels were safely managed. Staff told us that continuity of care was provided and people received support from staff who were familiar with their support needs.

Safe recruitment practices were in place. All staff who were employed had been appropriately vetted and the necessary pre-employment checks had been carried out.

The registered provider complied with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act, 2005. Staff understood and respected people’s right to make their own decisions and where possible, encouraged people to make decisions about the care they received.

Care records contained person-centred information. Staff were able to develop a good understanding of people’s likes, wishes and preferences.

People and relatives told us that staff provided care that was kind, sincere and compassionate. One relative said, “The staff are brilliant.”

People were actively encouraged to engage in hobbies and interests that they enjoyed. Staff supported people to access the local community, participate in voluntary work and community events.

People received a ‘service user’ guide from the outset. This was provided in an ‘easy read’ format and contained important information about the quality and safety of care people could expect to receive.

The registered provider had a complaints process and policy in place. People were provided with the complaint information and the registered manager maintained a good level of oversight in relation to the complaints that were submitted and if any lessons could be learnt.

The quality and safety of the care was continuously monitored and assessed. The registered manager had a number of different processes and systems in place to ensure people were receiving high-quality, person centred care.

We received positive feedback from people, staff and relatives about the provision of care that was delivered and the positive difference Domiciliary Services Adelphi Care Services had on people’s lives.

People were encouraged to share their thoughts, views and suggestions about the quality and safety of care being provided. We saw evidence of improvements and developments that had been made based on feedback people had provided.

Rating at last inspection: At the last inspection service was rated ‘Good’ (report published June 2016). At this inspection we found that the registered provider continued to provide a good provision of care. The evidence we reviewed and feedback we received continued to support the rating of ‘good’; there was no evidence or information from our inspection or ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns.

Why we inspected: This was a planned, announced inspection to confirm that the service remained 'good'.

The inspection was carried out on 27 April 2016 and was announced.

Domiciliary Services Adelphi Care Services Limited is a domiciliary care agency that provides personal care and support to people in their own homes. At the time of our visit the agency was providing a service to 17 people. The provider specialises in delivering care to people with learning disabilities and autistic spectrum disorder. The frequency of visits and duration across the service varied from three hours per week to 24 hours care per day.

There was a registered manager in post who was present during the inspection. 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.

People were supported to keep themselves safe from harm and abuse. Staff knew how to recognise the signs of abuse and who to report concerns to. The provider had completed recruitment checks to ensure that potential new employees were suitable and safe to work with people who used the service.

Staff were aware of the risks associated with people’s needs and how to minimise the risk of harm without restricting their independence and choice. Staff knew what action to take in the event of accidents or incidents and there were procedures in place to reduce the risk of reoccurrence.

People were supported to take their medicines safely. People were supported to arrange and attend health care appointments as required to promote their health and wellbeing.

People were supported by staff who were well trained and knowledgeable about their needs. Staff received regular support and guidance to carry out their roles effectively.

Staff sought people’s consent before supporting them and respected their decision if they declined support. People were given information in a way they could understand to help them make decisions.

People were supported to plan and prepare their own meals where required. People were encouraged to follow healthy nutritional diets.

People found staff respectful and kind. People were involved in decisions about their care and support. Staff promoted people’s independence and dignity.

People benefitted from a flexible service that was responsive to their changing needs. People received support that was tailored to their individual needs and preferences. People felt comfortable to raise any concerns and were confident that they would be listened to and acted upon.

There was a positive working culture where people, relatives and staff found the registered manager easy to talk to. Staff were motivated to deliver the values of the service.

The provider had a range of checks in place to monitor the health, safety and wellbeing of people who used the service. They actively sought feedback from people relatives and staff to drive improvements in the service

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