Harrogate Home Support

On this page

• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

Effective – this means we looked for evidence that people’s care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life, based on best available evidence. At our last assessment the provider was in breach of Regulation 11(3) of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014: Need for consent. At this assessment improvements have been made, and the provider is not in breach of this regulation. At our last assessment we rated this key question requires improvement. At this assessment the rating has improved to good. This meant people’s outcomes were consistently good, and people’s feedback confirmed this.

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.

The provider made sure people’s care and treatment was effective by assessing and reviewing their health, care, wellbeing and communication needs with them. The service carried out thorough and person-centred assessments that considered the specific needs of people with learning disability and autism. Staff worked closely with individuals, families, and professionals to understand communication styles, sensory preferences, and triggers. Assessments were regularly reviewed and used to inform personalised care planning, helping to ensure support was effective, respectful, and responsive to each person’s unique profile. The registered manger told us, “We take a person-centred and collaborative approach to ensure people with autism and/or learning disabilities can access our support in a way that feels safe, familiar, and empowering.”

The provider planned and delivered people’s care and treatment with them, including what was important and mattered to them. They did this in line with legislation and current evidence-based good practice and standards. The provider worked closely with social care professionals who provided a pen picture of the person which included details of their background, preferences, and support needs. The registered manager told us, “We work directly with people, relatives and advocates ensuring they are actively involved in planning and decision-making. This helps them feel in control of the choices being made about their life, and ensures that the support we provide is meaningful, respectful, and aligned with their goals.”

Staff, teams, and external professionals worked collaboratively to deliver consistent and effective care for people. Communication between team members was clear and person-centred, with shared understanding of each person’s needs, triggers, and preferred approaches. The registered manger told us, “Staff liaise with families, carers, and relevant professionals including LD teams, GPs, and therapists to ensure a holistic and coordinated transition into the service.” Multi-agency working was well-established, ensuring that care plans reflected input from health and social care professionals, families, and the individuals themselves. A relative said, “I feel involved. It isn’t just decisions. It is much more of a collaborative approach to what is best for [person]. The registered manager deeply cares. We make decisions together.” This joined-up approach supported continuity, reduced anxiety, and helped maintain positive outcomes for people.

The provider supported people to manage their health and wellbeing to maximise their independence, choice and control. Staff supported people to live healthier lives and where possible, reduce their future needs for care and support. Care plans included information which staff used to promote healthy routines such as nutrition, exercise, and regular health checks. People were encouraged to make informed choices, and families were involved in planning and reviewing health goals. A relative said, “We have a review with the supervisor periodically. The team are aware that I like to be involved. We talk about [person’s] medical needs. They talk to me. We have open communications. I reach out.”

The service actively monitored and reviewed outcomes to ensure care remained effective and person-centred. The provider focused on goals that promoted wellbeing, independence, and social inclusion. Progress was tracked through regular reviews involving families and professionals, and care plans were adapted in response to people’s changing needs. A staff member said, “Care records are always up to date, any required changes are completed quickly by the office staff, and any immediate needs are highlighted in our multimedia chat group.” This practice supported continuous improvement and meaningful outcomes for each person.

The provider ensured that consent to care and treatment was sought in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Staff understood how to assess capacity and supported people to make informed choices using adapted communication methods suited to their individuals’ needs and preferences including any autism and sensory profiles. Where people lacked capacity, recorded decisions were made in their best interests with input from families and professionals. The use of any restrictive practices was minimal, clearly documented, and regularly reviewed to ensure they were proportionate, necessary, and the least restrictive option. Staff demonstrated a respectful and rights-based approach, promoting autonomy wherever possible. One staff member said, “We are here to support people, to promote their independence and protect their safety, they have the right to make their own choices and decisions, sometimes we have to make them on their behalf if we feel they are unaware that they might be at risk of harm and this is done following best interest decision making.”