• Services in your home
  • Homecare service

Archived: Age UK North Tyneside

Bradbury Centre, 13 Saville Street West, North Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE29 6QP (0191) 280 8484

Provided and run by:
Age UK North Tyneside

All Inspections

18, 23, 31 December 2013 and 15 January 2014

During a routine inspection

We spoke with eight people, two relatives and 11 care workers about the care and support provided by the service.

We were unable to speak to some of the people using the service because of the nature of nature of their condition.

People and relatives told us they were happy with the service they received. One person told us, 'I'm very lucky to have so many good carers to come and look after me.' One relative told us, 'The staff are very polite, very good, very chatty and very pleasant.'

People's needs were assessed and care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with their individual care plans.

Staff we spoke with had a working knowledge of safeguarding matters and we found that safeguarding policies, procedures and information were available at the service.

The provider had detailed policies in relation to infection control, the use of personal protective equipment and effective hand washing. Staff we spoke with told us, and records confirmed that all staff received regular training in infection control and food hygiene.

We found staff recruitment procedures were in place and records showed that these were followed when new staff were appointed. We saw appropriate checks were undertaken before staff began work.

People's care records and staff personal records were maintained and updated regularly. Records were kept securely and could be located promptly when needed.

6, 11 September 2012

During a routine inspection

During our visits we talked to one person who used the service and one relative. The person who used the service said they were 'well looked after' by care staff who 'know my situation' and 'treat me with dignity and respect.' The relative of another person who used the service said care staff provided a 'personal and professional' service and had 'very good interpersonal skills.' Both people we talked to were confident that Age Concern North Tyneside would handle any problems they raised quickly and effectively. We looked in detail at three care plans, one of which we followed up with a visit to observe whether care and support was being provided in line with the care plan. During this visit, we observed care that was person-centred and provided in a way which promoted independence, choice and respect.

We talked to two care staff employed by the service and looked at four staff records. We also talked to the manager of the service. We saw that care staff were positive and motivated and understood the provider's commitment to providing a high quality, individualised service. This was reflected in the feedback we read and heard from people who used the service. Care staff were trained and supported by the provider to meet people's needs safely and effectively.