About the service:

Harley Street Care is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care and support to people living in their own houses and flats in the community. It provides a service to younger and older adults with significant care and support needs such as dementia and physical impairments. At the time of our inspection 17 people were using the service.

People’s experience of using this service:

The care and support provided to people was person centred. People’s care plans and risk assessments included information about their preferred care and support needs and preferences. Individualised guidance for staff was provided to assist them in meeting people’s needs and preferences and to reduce and manage the risk of harm. These records had been reviewed regularly and updated where there were any changes in people’s needs.

Staff had received training about safeguarding and knew how to respond to and report any allegation or suspicion of harm or abuse. They understood the importance of reporting concerns immediately.

The service’s recruitment procedures were designed to ensure that staff were suitable for the work they would be undertaking. New staff members were not assigned work until two satisfactory references and criminal records disclosures had been received.

New staff received an induction to the service before starting work. All staff received regular training to ensure that they were able to meet the needs of the people they supported. Staff also took part in regular supervision sessions to support them in carrying out their roles.

People and their family were involved in decisions about their care. People had been involved in agreeing their care plans and participated in reviews of the care and support provided to them. People and family members said that staff asked people for their consent to carry out care and support tasks.

Information about people’s religious, cultural and communication needs was included in their care plans. Staff supported people to participate in activities of their choice at home and in their local communities.

People were regularly asked about their views of the care and support that they received. Spot checks to look at the quality of care and support had taken place in people’s homes.

Processes were in place to manage and respond to complaints and concerns. People and family members were aware of the service’s complaints procedure and knew how to make a complaint if they needed.

The provider undertook a range of audits to check on the quality of care provided. These were reviewed by the management team and actions had been taken to address any concerns.

Rating at last inspection:

The service was registered by CQC on 19 April 2018. This was their first inspection under this registration.

Why we inspected:

This was a planned comprehensive inspection.

Follow up:

We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to inspect as part of our re-inspection programme.