Kent Care Provider Deemed Inadequate Following Safety Inspection

A care provider located in Kent has received an “inadequate” rating and been subjected to special measures. This decision followed an inspection that identified “inconsistencies in care” leading to situations “putting people at risk of harm.” Prudent Domiciliary Care Limited, situated in Rochester, offers personal care and assistance to individuals residing in their private residences. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) conducted a visit in July, during which its inspectors determined that the service “wasn’t being managed well,” as detailed in a report issued on Wednesday. The care agency was approached for a statement. Serena Coleman, the CQC’s deputy director of operations for the south region, stated that the regulatory body was “concerned” by the discoveries made. She elaborated, “We found a service where the service wasn’t being managed well. Staff schedule challenges were causing inconsistencies in care and putting people at risk of harm.” “Delays to care visits were inconvenient for people and didn’t allow staff the time to give care when it was really needed,” she continued. “There were occasions when some visits would be missed entirely. Leaders couldn’t evidence how they could protect people from harm if any care visits were missed.” The report indicated that problems with care visits led individuals to feel “they did not have control or choice around their own care.” Furthermore, it noted that procedures for the secure administration of medications were “not followed consistently,” thereby “put[ting] people at risk of harm.” The report further stated: “The service had recognised significant issues with the planning and delivery of the care visits, but they didn’t have effective plans to minimise the risks to people.” It was also found that the provider and registered manager had failed to communicate the risks and difficulties concerning individuals’ care to the local social services team. They had also persisted in accepting new care contracts, even though they were aware they were not fulfilling the requirements of those they were already assisting. The CQC announced that Prudent Domiciliary Care Limited would remain under review and be subject to close monitoring to guarantee the safety of individuals while necessary improvements are implemented.