Archived: Minshaw and Cummings LLP t/a care 4 you

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, speaking with people using the service, the staff supporting them and from looking at records. If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary please read our full report.

Is the service safe?

People told us they felt safe and that their rights and dignity were respected.

People were not put at unnecessary risk but also had access to choice and remained in control of decisions about their care and lives.

The registered manager took people's care needs into account when making decisions about the numbers, qualifications, skills and experience of the staff required. This ensured that people's needs were always met.

People were given their medicines at the times they needed them in a safe way.

People's records were fit for purpose and remained confidential.

Is the service effective?

People's health and care needs were assessed with them, and they were involved in writing their plans of care. People said that their care plans were up to date and reflected their current needs. They said they received appropriate support.

Some comments made were:-

"I'm really pleased with the service."

"I would highly recommend it."

"The care my mother receives far surpasses what I expected."

Is the service caring?

We spoke with five people being supported by the service and three relatives of people being supported. We asked them for their opinions about the staff that supported them. Feedback from people was positive, for example:

"The carers are wonderful, they've really helped me a lot."

"They're extremely pleasant, I can't sing their praises highly enough."

"I was dreading having to have care from an agency, but they're all very nice and it's a pleasure when they visit."

People's preferences, interests, aspirations and needs were recorded and care and support had been provided in accordance with people's wishes.

Is the service responsive?

People who used the service and their relatives were frequently consulted about their views of the service and individual members of staff. Where any issues were raised these were taken on board and dealt with.

People knew how to make a complaint if they were unhappy. Any complaints were investigated and action taken as necessary.

Is the service well-led?

The service had a quality assurance system, and records showed that identified problems and opportunities to change things for the better were addressed promptly. As a result the quality of the service was continuously improving.

Systems were in place to make sure that unsafe practice was identified and people were protected.

'I'm very pleased. I get the support I have asked for."

'My mum and dad think the world of the carers.'

'It's an excellent service.'

'We are kept well informed and asked our views.'

'I would recommend the agency. I'm very happy.'

Records showed that people had been assessed before they began to use the service and they had a care plan in place detailing the support they needed.

The agency obtained the advice and support of health and social care professionals when this was needed.

Staff were appropriately supported to enable them to carry out their roles and responsibilities.

There were systems in place to monitor the quality of the service and to obtain the views of the people who used the service and their relatives about how the service operated.

We found some improvements were needed to record keeping to ensure staff had that the information needed to appropriately support the people who used the service.

'It's a good service. I'm quite happy and satisfied.'

'The carers are very able and helpful.'

'There is good reliability and continuity.'

We spoke to three relatives of people who used the service who told us that they were happy with the service provided. They said they were asked their views about the care provided and that their relatives were getting the support and care they required.

Records showed that people had been assessed before they began to use the service and they had a care plan in place detailing the support they needed and how staff were to minimise risks to their well-being.

Staff were aware of the action to be taken to safeguard vulnerable adults from abuse.

There were practices in place to ensure that the recruitment of staff appropriately supported the people who used the service.

There were systems in place to obtain the views of the people who used the service and their relatives about how the service operated. Records showed that action was taken to address any shortfalls identified.

We asked Cheshire West and Chester Council for information about how the service operated. No information of concern was reported by Cheshire West and Chester Council.