Archived: Home Comforts (South) Limited

Our inspection of 15 January 2013 found that during the recruitment process the provider had not recorded specific information about staff. This meant that they did not have sufficient information to judge the suitability of some of there employees to carry out there role. At this inspection we found an effective recruitment and selection process in place to ensure that the people who used the service were safe and their needs were met by care workers who were suitably qualified, skilled and experienced.

We asked people who use the service about the staffing and people said that overall the staffing was good or excellent. One person said: "They try to keep to the same care worker or group of care workers, because they know we like consistent care".

We spoke to eight care workers and the manager. We saw the record of planned and completed training. All training was linked to Skills for Care common induction standards, for example, moving and handling, safeguarding, infection control and health and safety.

People we spoke with confirmed that the agency monitored the quality and safety of the service they received. For example senior care workers visited people who used the service regularly to review care plans and spoke with them about how the service could be improved.

We randomly reviewed recruitment files for twenty staff that were employed and had been providing care to people. We found that there were Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check for all of these staff members, a full employment history, and previous employment checks. We also looked at the recruitment files of the new manager and deputy manager. We found full employment history and previous employment checks had been received for both people but the provider had not carried out a Disclosure and Barring Service (DAB) check (previously CRB check).

One person who used the service said "I feel safe and secure with my carers. They are all very good and I look forward to their visits". One relative we spoke with told us the agency "gives me peace of mind knowing that my relative is looked after, it has changed both our lives". We looked at a sample of care plans. These gave clear guidance about the care and support that was to be provided to the person.

People we spoke with confirmed that the agency monitored the quality and safety of the service they received. For example, they had received survey questionnaires and the manager had carried out checks in relation to the care they received.