Home Instead Senior Care is a domiciliary care agency that is registered to care for people living in their own homes. The service offers care to people with a dementia related illness, people who require help with personal care, light household duties and those who require companionship.
At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.
At the time of the inspection there were 52 people receiving a service which included personal care. The service refers to people who use the service as ‘clients’ and care staff as ‘CAREGivers’ so we will refer to them as such throughout this report.
There was an appropriate safeguarding policy and procedure in place and staff had received training. Accidents and incidents were recorded appropriately and risk assessments completed as required
Staff were recruited via a robust procedure and there was a system in place to alert the service if a caregiver had not arrived. Systems were in place for the prevention and control of infection.
There was a medicines policy and guidance for CAREGivers around safe administration. CAREGivers had undertaken training and competency checks were regularly undertaken.
Clients’ care and support needs had been thoroughly assessed and care plans written in line with these needs. CAREGivers had undertaken a thorough induction programme and further training was on-going.
The service was working within the legal requirements of The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA).
Clients told us the CAREGivers were kind and friendly and respected privacy and dignity. Clients were involved in planning of their care and support and reviews.
The work force was from many different walks of life and clients with diverse needs were supported sensitively and with regard to their particular requirements.
The service produced a welcome package which included information about the service. There was a policy around autonomy and independence and clients were supported to do as much for themselves as possible.
Care files were person-centred and CAREGivers were introduced to the client prior to commencement of the service to try to ensure compatibility. The service was flexible and could be altered to suit the clients’ changing needs. Care plans were reviewed and updated as necessary.
Clients were supported to follow their interests and hobbies, both in the home and outside in the community. There was a relevant complaints procedure but there had been no recent complaints. The service had received a number of compliments.
Staff had received good quality training in end of life care and were part of the team that helped support clients at this time if needed
There was a strong management structure and staff felt well supported by all the management team. Staff supervisions and meetings were held on a regular basis.
Client feedback was sought regularly to help drive improvement to service delivery. Audits and quality checks were undertaken on a regular basis and any issues or concerns addressed with appropriate actions.
The service was committed to partnership working and was involved in various initiatives within the local area.