Freedom Care 24/7 Ltd

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

Safe – this means we looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm. This is the first inspection for this newly registered service. This key question has been rated good. This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

People and relatives we spoke with told us they had not been involved in any incidents so felt unable to comment on the learning culture at the service. Although they had trust that the management team would learn from any incidents that did occur.

Staff knew what to do in the event of an accident or incident and were aware of how to report these. A care worker told us, “I need to report it to the senior member of staff or registered manager and I need to fill out an incident form, and first of all the most important thing, I want to make sure the resident is safe and hasn’t injured themselves.”

Systems were in place to record and respond to any incidents or accidents that occurred. These were reviewed and acted upon. The management team reviewed key service data to identify any trends or patterns that may indicate people required additional support. Where a pattern was identified, for example in relation to falls, people and their relatives were encouraged to engage with the local falls’ prevention team.

Relatives told us there were smooth transitions when their family member was transferring between services. They said, “I know when [their family member] comes out of hospital they will need nighttime care, and [the manager] is starting to prepare for this.”

The registered manager told us they took account of all information available from the person, their family and any health care professionals involved in their care, when supporting their transition to the service.

Partner agencies felt they were unable to comment on the arrangements in place regarding safe systems, pathways and transitions.

Systems were in place to ensure the safe transfers and communication when people moved between services.

People and their relatives felt safe being supported at the service. They told us staff were respectful and they did not feel any discrimination. They told us, “[Their family member] is safe. She likes the same care workers. There are two care workers that are always coming who know her well,” and “They are taught, they are professionals and they know the boundaries.”

Staff understood how to safeguard people and knew what to do if they had any concerns about a person’s safety. A care worker told us, “If I go to a resident and there is self-neglect……. or if there are some bruises on the body….. I need to report this to my manager and of course the documentation is very important”. Staff had awareness of how to keep the people they support safe from abuse and preventable harm. A staff member told us, “Abuse has a very wide spectrum, it’s not just physical. This could be a person neglecting themselves all the way to financial abuse…..it can be mental abuse and that can cause them to self-neglect.”

Safeguarding adults’ policies and procedures were in place. There had not been any safeguarding concerns raised since the service started operating.

Relatives told us the staff supported their family members to manage and minimise any risks to people’s safety. They said, “[Their family member’s] skin is really good as they cream her. She has diabetes and her skin is in really good condition,” and “Their mobility is compromised so they both need assistance to get up and walk. Each of them have staff walking with them. The staff are very attentive. The care workers are always around and nearby. The risk of falls is very well managed.”

Staff were aware of the risks to people’s safety and how to, collaboratively with the people they support, prevent these risks occurring whilst maintaining their independence. They knew where to find information about risks to people’s safety, and how to report any additional risks they identified whilst supporting people. A care worker told us, “Before we go to a new person we have support plans we read through, we will look through the risk assessment. And as we are working alongside (the person), we will update the risk plan.”

Systems were in place to identify any risks to people’s safety. Clear, detailed information was included in people’s care records about any risks to people’s health and safety and how to manage and mitigate those risks. Information was also included in people’s records about any signs of infection or signs that a person’s health was declining. Staff’s knowledge on risk management was checked during quality checks undertaken by the management team.

Staff supported people to keep their homes safe. A relative said, “They make sure there aren’t any trip hazards.”

Staff understood how to ensure people’s environments were safe. One care worker told us, “For safety, anything we are using for the person, for example, transferring from bed to sofa, this should be safe and needs to be checked properly before using.” Staff said they had training to understand how to use equipment to support people safely.

There were records in place to review the environment and assess any risks it may pose to people and/or staff. We saw quality checks undertaken by the provider had observed staff checking the safety and suitability of equipment before using it with people.

People were complimentary about the staff supporting them. They told us they received support from a consistent team of care workers who knew them well. Staff were on time and never missed a visit. They told us, “They are always on time. This is a big thing for us,” “They’ve never been late once. They’ve never missed a visit,” and “Really lovely staff. Brillant organisation.” People also found staff to be well trained and skilled in their roles. They said, “They (staff) are really kind people, but also they are extremely well trained.”

Staff told us they felt supported by the management team, and that they received regular training and supervision. A staff member said, “They look after me very well…… I will have my supervision done. In my supervision I can discuss any concerns, my health and wellbeing and progress and if I need any training.” Care workers also felt they had enough time during care calls to safely meet people’s individual needs, and that rotas were planned so they had enough time to travel between people homes. A care worker told us “They (management team) are very good at this (scheduling rotas) and they give enough time to get to the next client.”

Safe recruitment practices were in place to ensure suitable staff were employed to meet people’s needs. This included checking staff’s identity, their eligibility to work in the UK, references from previous employers and criminal record checks. There were enough staff in place to support everyone using the service and ensure they received their care on time, stayed the required length of time and adequate time to travel between appointments. Support structures were in place to ensure staff received ongoing training relevant to their role and regular supervision. Staff completed a programme of mandatory training as well as training specific to people’s individual needs or diagnoses, including in relation to continence care, epilepsy, diabetes, learning disabilities and autism. After completion of their training, staff completed competency assessments to ensure they understood what they had been taught.

People told us staff adhered to high cleaning practices and supported people to keep their homes clean. They said, “They are just amazing. They clean everything down,” and “They are mindful to clean up after themselves.” They also confirmed that staff wore appropriate personal protective equipment in line with guidance.

Staff understood the importance of keeping people’s environments clean and hygienic to prevent the spread of infection, and told us they had received training around this. They also confirmed they had access to personal protection equipment (PPE). A care worker said, “We have apron and gloves and our masks. The company supply this.”

Infection prevention and control (IPC) policies and procedures were in place. IPC audits were undertaken to ensure staff adhered to these policies and compliance with IPC procedures was regularly checked during quality checks.

Most people managed their own medicines. However, they said staff were available to help should they need it. A relative told us, “[My family member] sometimes need reminding and the care staff are good at doing this.”

Staff understood the processes to follow to support people safely with their medication. A care worker we spoke to emphasised the importance of involving the person with their medicines, they said “Make them aware of the medication they are taking and give them the information for what they are for. Follow the medicines administration record (MAR) sheet accordingly.”

Safe medicines management processes were in place. Whilst most people managed their own medicines, there were structures in place to ensure staff were able to safely support people with their medicines should this be required. Medicines management policies and procedures were in place. Staff had received training in medicines administration and during quality checks the management team checked staff’s knowledge of safe medicines management.