This inspection took place on 23 August 2018 and was announced. We informed the provider 48 hours in advance of our visit that we would be inspecting. This was to ensure there was somebody at the location to facilitate our inspection. This service has not been inspected since its registration on 22 September 2017.

Verity Healthcare – Haringey is a domiciliary care agency. It is registered to provide personal care and treatment of disease, disorder or injury to older adults, people with dementia, a learning disability or autistic spectrum disorder, people with an eating disorder, physical disability, and sensory impairment.

Not everyone using Verity Healthcare – Haringey receives regulated activity; CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with ‘personal care’; help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also take into account any wider social care provided. At the time of inspection, the service was providing personal care to four people living in their own houses and flats in the community.

The service had a registered manager in post. 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 told us they felt safe with staff. The provider ensured people were safeguarded against harm and abuse. Risk assessments were individualised and regularly reviewed. They gave staff information on risks to people and how to provide safe care. There were sufficient and suitable staff to meet people’s needs safely. People were appropriately supported with their medicines needs. Staff used personal protective equipment to avoid spread of infection.

People’s needs were assessed and told us their needs were met by staff. Staff were knowledgeable about people’s needs and abilities. They were provided with sufficient induction, regular training and supervision to provide effective care. People were happy with nutrition and hydration support.

People told us staff treated them with dignity and were caring and helpful. People were involved in the care planning process. Staff encouraged people to remain as independent as they could.

People’s care plans were comprehensive and regularly reviewed. Staff were provided with information on how to provide personalised care. They were trained in equality and diversity, and treated people as individuals. The provider promoted lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to use the service. People and the relatives were encouraged to raise concerns and were happy with the complaints process. The provider had processes in place to support people on end of life care.

People told us they were happy with the service and would recommend it. Staff told us the management was approachable. The provider had efficient monitoring, auditing and evaluating systems and processes to ensure people’s safety and the quality of the service. The management worked with other organisations and professionals to improve the care delivery.