Archived: S and S Homecare

People also told us they had been given written information about the services the provider offered. One person said, 'I was visited by the manager before the service started and provided with useful information about the agency and the range of services they provided." Another person said "I feel lucky to have found such a good agency, I get on very well with all the staff and they are so kind and caring."

We spoke with five members of staff employed by the agency. The staff told us they enjoyed working for S & S Homecare and always respected people's rights to privacy and dignity when providing care and support. They also told us they helped and encouraged people to retain their independence and provided care and support in line with their agreed care plan.

We found the agency had quality assurance systems in place which monitored the quality of the service provided and ensured compliance with the essential standards of quality and safety.

We looked at the care plans of the people who used the service. We saw that they were tailored to meet the needs of the individual but were not very detailed. The risk assessments didn't reflect the needs of the individual and often combined two risk areas.

We looked at the files of four members of staff. We saw that they had received training in safeguarding and there was a policy in place to support them.

We spoke with the people who used the service. One person told us that they felt that the care was 'fine.' The same person told us that they would prefer to have regular carers. They told us that the number of carers they saw was consistent and 'is getting better.' They told us that they felt they were treated with dignity and respect. They told us that the staff would always phone if they were going to be late. They were able to tell us about their care plan.

We spoke with a relative and they thought that the 'care was very good.'

We spoke with staff and they told us they 'loved the job.' They felt supported by management and felt the training they received was good.