Archived: BB Healthcare

"They are very good. They always come on time. They know me well. My carer is very good.'

"I am quite happy with the service. My carer is very good. When another carer comes, they know me too. They are never late, they always come on time. They know what I need. I don't have any concerns or complaints. I suppose I would have complained if I wanted to, but I have no complaints whatsoever. They are really good."

"I am very happy with the service. I would rate staff training 5 out of 5.'

Some services, such as Nursing homes and Residential homes also commented on carers that are engaged to cover shifts:

"Standards of staff are very good, they communicate well with residents and staff. Timing is also very good, as well as staff presentation."

Some families of people who use the service also provided positive comments that supported view of people who use the service. Some stated that staff were efficient and polite. They confirmed that they did not have any complaints. They also added that records related to people cared for were appropriate.

We spoke to three staff members; a homecare worker who was regularly visiting the first person who use the service that we spoke to and covered the absent carers for other individuals who received home care support. She said: "I usually go to one service user. I worked with her now for over five weeks and know her well. Her care plan is well written and gives very good information about the service user. This lady is very sociable and gets many visitors apart from us carers, so she is not isolated, just waiting for me to come. Her risk assessment contains all details that I need - she uses oxygen and all related risks are written in her risk assessment.

I now cover for some other carers. The first visit is always with the regular carer so that people who use the service get to know me and I get to know them."

Another carer that works nights in other establishments told us: "I am very happy with this work through the agency. I get enough support from the agency. In the homes where I go, I get a good handover before my shift, so it is not so difficult when, sometimes, I stay to work alone overnight. I enjoy working with people who express challenging behaviour. It is a challenge for me too. I like that. I get all training that I need and the training is relevant to my job."

A carer that also works in several establishments stated to us: "I go to Nursing homes. I know people I work with there, as I am almost regular in these homes. I get familiar with policies and procedures where I work. I am told at handovers about people that do not have capacity to decide for themselves. I always ask service users and than staff in the home about capacity. I am informed about allergies, likes and dislikes at handover. I also read in the kitchen information that is displayed there about likes and dislikes and allergies. I do not deal with medication, but I had training which was very good. So, I would know when some has reactions to medication.

I like working here, I am well supported, I have regular supervisions, training and regularly attend staff meetings.

We get one uniform free here and we have our badge with logo.

The office worker we spoke to told us: We have about 15 to 20 individuals for home care, but majority of our staff work in other establishments nursing and residential homes and some in supported living schemes. She stated:

'I provide out of hours cover and I am together with the manager available for staff when they need advice."