We inspected Allendale Care on 17 January 2017. The inspection was announced so that we could ensure people and records we would need to see were available. Allendale care is a domiciliary care agency registered to provide personal care for people who required support in their home.

At the time of inspection, Allendale Care was providing care to one person and the registered manager was providing this. There were three members of staff available on a self-employed basis for when the service expands.

At the time of our inspection, there was a registered manager at the service. 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.

This inspection at Allendale Care was the first inspection under our new methodology since its new registration in February 2017.

Medicines were being managed safely by people who were trained and competent to do so. Medicine administration records were up to date with no gaps. Guidance was available on the medicines that people had.

People were protected against abuse and harm. New staff had to undergo safeguarding training. The registered manager had systems in place to investigate and report safeguarding concerns.

People’s needs had been assessed and detailed care plans developed. Care plans contained appropriate risk assessments that were specific to the person’s need.

Staff would have access to supervisions and yearly appraisals to identify any areas for improvement and achievement.

People’s records show that medicines were being managed appropriately. Checks were being carried out weekly to identify if any changes were required.

The principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) were adhered to. The registered provider had an effective policy and systems were in place to assist staff when needed. Staff were expected to complete MCA training prior to starting work for the service.

People were supported to have a healthy and nutritious diet. People were encouraged to choose what they wanted to eat. Staff had access to information about people’s preferred choices.

People were being referred to health and social care professionals appropriately. Records showed involvement of GP’s, occupational therapists and social services.

People and their relatives were involved with the planning, development and reviews of their care. Records showed people and relative were involved in care planning.

People’s privacy and dignity were respected at all times. Care plans gave staff guidance on people’s personal preferences for personal care.

People were supported to pursue activities and had freedom of choice. Records showed that decisions were respected.

The registered provider had ensured that there were effective processes in place to fully investigate any complaints. Methods of complaining were communicated clearly to people using the service.

The registered manager knew when the Care Quality Commission needed to be notified of any significant events. There were appropriate policies and procedures in place that would be communicated to staff.

The registered provider had systems in place to carry out appropriate audits and assess quality control. These had not been fully implemented due to there being only one person using the service.