A single inspector carried out this inspection. The focus of the inspection was to answer five key questions; is the service safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led?At the time of our inspection the agency had 12 service users and nine care staff. We spoke with five people and or their relatives on the telephone to gather their feedback on the service provided to them. We spoke with the registered manager and two other management staff based in the office and made calls to four care staff members working for the agency.
Below is a summary of what we found. The summary describes what people using the service, their relatives and the staff told us, what we observed and the records we looked at.
If you want to see the evidence that supports our summary please read the full report.
This is a summary of what we found:
Is the service safe?
Staff employed to work at the home were suitable and had the skills and experience needed to support the people living in their own home. The provider had an infection control policy in place and staff were provided with protective equipment. People told us that the staff always used disposable gloves and aprons.
Is the service effective?
People told us that they were happy with the care they received and staff were flexible and approachable. Staff told us they got to know people well and they understood people's care and support needs. One person told us. "I am very satisfied with the care I get.'
Is the service caring?
We spoke with people who used the service about the staff who supported them. The
feedback they gave us was positive, with one person saying 'they are very kind and caring.' Relatives we spoke with told us staff were caring for their family member well and said staff were very helpful and informative. People were supported by kind and attentive staff.
Is the service responsive?
We saw people had signed their care plans giving consent to the care provided.
People's needs had been assessed and reviewed every six months. People told us they were happy with the care they received. Records confirmed people's preferences, history and diverse needs had been recorded and care and support had been provided, which met their wishes. People told us they knew how to make a complaint. Relatives knew how to contact the provider if they needed help or advice. One person said 'If you need any help they are always willing to do things for you.'
Is the service well-led?
Staff told us they were supported in their job, which helped to ensure people who used the service received a good standard of care and support. They felt they could raise issues or concerns with their managers and these would be acted upon. One staff member said' they appreciate feedback.' Staff said they had regular team meetings, supervision and appraisal.