We inspected Sable Care Ltd on 5 December 2016. This was an announced inspection. 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 was the first inspection of the service since it was registered with the Care Quality Commission. The service provides support with personal care to adults living in their own homes. One person was using the service at the time of our inspection and care was being provided in a supported living setting on a 24 hour basis. As part of our inspection we visited the person who used the service at their supported living facility with their permission.

The service had an acting manager in place for two months at the time of our inspection and was awaiting the outcome of her application to become the registered manager of 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.

The service was safe and had practices in place to protect people from harm. Staff were knowledgeable about what to do if they had any concerns and how to report them.

Risk assessments were thorough and staff knew what to do in an emergency situation.

Staffing levels were meeting the needs of the person who used the service and staff demonstrated that they had the relevant knowledge to support the person with their care.

Recruitment practices were safe and records confirmed this.

Medicines were stored, managed and administered safely.

Newly recruited care staff received an induction and shadowed senior members of staff. Training for care staff was provided on a regular basis and updated when relevant.

Care staff demonstrated an understanding of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and how they obtained consent on a daily basis.

People were supported with maintaining a balanced diet and the person who used the service chose their meals and expressed their preferences accordingly.

People were supported to have access to healthcare services and receive on-going support.

Positive relationships were formed between care staff and the person who used the service and care staff demonstrated how well they knew the person.

The service supported people to express their views and be actively involved in making decisions about their care.

The service promoted the independence of the person who used the service.

Care plans were detailed and contained relevant information about the person who used the service and their needs. Care plans were reviewed and documented accordingly.

Concerns and complaints were encouraged and listened to and records confirmed this.

The manager for the service had a good relationship with staff and the people using the service and their relatives. There was open communications between all parties.

The service had quality assurance methods in place.