About the service:

My Homecare Tonbridge is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own houses and flats in the community. It provides a service to adults. At the time of the inspection, 12 people were being supported by the service.

Not everyone using a domiciliary care agency 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.

People's experience of using this service:

People received care and support from regular staff who were kind and caring.

People's needs had been fully assessed before they received support from the service.

Care plans held sufficient detail for staff to offer support that reflected people's individual needs and preferences. Care plans were reviewed regularly and updated as required. Staff understood the needs of the people they supported and had developed positive relationships.

Safe recruitment practices were in place and people were supported by staff that had undertaken a thorough induction process and training relevant to their roles. Enough staff were employed to meet the needs of the people using the service. Staff were supported through regular supervision and team meetings.

Risks to people had been identified and staff had clear guidance available to them to support people and reduce the risk. People were protected from the risk of harm and abuse. Staff had received training and felt

confident to raise any concerns they had.

Medicines were managed safely by trained and competent staff. Medication policies and best practice guidance was available to all staff. Medication administration records (MARs) were fully completed and audited regularly.

Staff had undertaken infection control training and understood actions required to minimise the risk of infection being spread. They had access to personal protective equipment (PPE).

People's independence was promoted and their right to privacy and dignity respected.

People and their relatives spoke positively about the staff and management team. People told us their views were regularly sought regarding all areas of the service. People felt confident to raise any concerns they had.

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

Lessons were learnt when things went wrong and systems were improved if needed. The management team were responsive and approachable to people that used the service and to the staff. The registered manager had a clear understanding of their responsibilities of their registration with us.

Rating at last inspection:

This was the first comprehensive ratings inspection since the agency registered with the Care Quality Commission in March 2018.

Why we inspected:

This was a planned inspection based on the date of registration. Newly registered services receive an inspection within 12 months of the registration.

Follow up:

We will continue to monitor the service through the information we receive. We will carry out another scheduled inspection to make sure the service continues to maintain Good.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk