The inspection of Just Homes Care took place over 26 and 27 June 2017 and was followed on 29 June 2017 by calls to people using the service. The inspection was announced as we needed to ensure someone would be in the office. The service had moved location and so this was the first inspection under the new registration.

Just Homes Care provides personal care for older people and people with a learning and/or physical disability living in their own homes and in supported living environments. The supported living homes were managed differently as some had staff for a 24 hour period and others relied on the Carelink alarm after 11pm. This arrangement was discussed with all people in these homes prior to implementation and agreed by all relevant parties.

There was a registered manager who had been registered since June 2016 although involved with the service for a longer period. 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 felt safe with the staff who supported them and staff had a good understanding of what may constitute abuse and how to report such concerns.

Risks were managed on an individual basis, ensuring people faced a reduced likelihood of harm.

Staffing levels were appropriate and we saw rotas were covered meaning people received support in a timely manner. Medication was administered safely in line with current guidelines and staff were able to explain the procedures well.

Supervision and training was offered to all staff on a regular basis and this was enhanced by observations of their practice. These methods of individual support ensured all staff had a sound knowledge base and the observations demonstrated the learning was implemented.

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

We saw people were encouraged to make healthy eating choices where this was in their best interests and staff supported with appropriate pressure care. External agency support was accessed as required and Just Homes Care worked alongside other care agencies in providing joint support packages.

People and their relatives were complimentary of the staff and spoke highly of the support they received. Their privacy and dignity was respected and staff were very aware of the importance of ensuring confidentiality.

Care records provided accurate guidance for staff to enable them to support people safely and effectively and were regularly reviewed.

The service had received many compliments and no complaints although people knew how to raise concerns if they so wished.

The registered manager had a clear vision and direction for the service and was assisted by an effective management team with a supportive registered provider.

Quality assurance procedures were under regular review to ensure they provided the necessary information to evaluate the effectiveness of the service and highlight any areas for improvement. The processes in place showed the service was operating in a positive manner meeting people’s needs as they wished them to be met.