Archived: Advantage Healthcare - Sheffield

People who used the service told us the staff were very good. One person said, 'They (the staff) all know me and what I need and they listen to me.' Another person said, 'The staff are always checking out if I am alright, they are really good.'

People were provided with a choice of suitable and nutritious food and drink. We saw five care records which contained a care plan for eating, drinking and nutrition. These were in order to maintain a healthy balanced diet.

People were cared for by staff who were supported to deliver care and treatment safely and to an appropriate standard.

There were effective systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. We spoke with people who used the service and they told us that staff wore gloves and aprons when required. One person said, 'The staff wash their hands regularly and use anti-bacterial hand gels.'

People felt their comments and complaints were listened to and acted on. We spoke with people who used the service and one person said, 'I have never had to complain, the staff are lovely.' Another person said, 'The staff help me to talk through my worries, but I don't have any concerns about the service.' Another person had made a complaint and felt this was handled appropriately.

People said that care workers always asked for their consent before carrying out personal care. One person said that they had the same group of care workers and they knew them well. Three people said the care workers arrived at the pre-arranged time and stayed for the agreed duration. We were informed by the staff at the office that the minimum time the care workers spent at the people's home was four hours. People told us that before the care workers left their home they signed their time sheets to confirm their visit.

On the day of our unannounced visit the registered manager was away but the regional quality assurance manager and three care consultants were at the Sheffield office who supplied us the information.