I & S Care

I and S Care is a small domiciliary care agency, providing personal care and support to people in their own homes around the Essex area. At the time of our inspection the service was supporting 14 people.

At our last inspection in September 2016 we found the service to be in breach of Regulations 12, 17 & 19 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated activities) Regulations 2014. This was because the service failed to have systems in place to ensure the safe management of medicines and safe recruitment of staff. The registered manager did not have systems to monitor gaps in staff training. All breaches in regulation had been met at this inspection.

The service has a registered manager. '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 a 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 not consistently safe. Medication practice required improvement to ensure that people received their medicines as prescribed. The service had a quality assurance system in place and except for one minor error in regards to medication management which was addressed at the time of inspection, was being effectively operated. The service had sufficient numbers of staff met people's needs.

The service was effective. People were cared for and supported by staff who had received training to meet their needs. The registered manager had a good understanding of their responsibilities in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Staff supported people to eat and drink enough to ensure they maintained a balanced diet. Referrals to health and social care services were made when required.

The service was caring. Staff cared for people in an empathetic and kind manner. Staff had a good understanding of people's preferences. Staff always worked hard to promote people's independence through encouraging and supporting people to make informed decisions.

The service was responsive. People and their relatives were involved in the planning and review of their care. The service reviewed care plans on a regular basis and when there was a change in care needs. Staff supported people to follow their interests and participate in social activities. The service responded to complaints received in a timely manner.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found