About the service Absolute Care Services (Richmond & Wandsworth) is a domiciliary care agency providing care and support to people living in their own homes and flats.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided. At the time of the inspection 86 people using the service were receiving personal care.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People were provided with a safe service and staff a safe environment to work in. There were enough, appropriately recruited staff to meet people’s needs. This meant people were supported to enjoy their lives and live safely. The provider assessed and recorded risks to people and staff, and monitored and updated these assessments as required. Accidents, incidents and safeguarding concerns were reported, investigated and recorded appropriately. Medicines were safely administered, or people prompted to take their medicines, appropriately.
People and their relatives said that care was provided effectively, they were not subject to discrimination and their equality and diversity needs were met. Staff were well-trained and supervised. People and their relatives said staff provided good care well, that met people’s needs. People were encouraged by staff, to discuss their health needs. Information about any changes to health needs was passed on to appropriate community-based health care professionals. Staff protected people from nutrition and hydration risks, and they were encouraged to choose healthy and balanced diets that also met their likes, dislikes and preferences.
People and their relatives said care and support was provided by staff, in a friendly way. They paid attention to small details making all the difference. Staff respected and acknowledged people’s privacy, dignity and confidentiality. People were encouraged and supported to be independent and do things for themselves. This improved their quality of life by promoting their self-worth. Staff were caring, compassionate and passionate about the people they provided a service for.
The provider was responsive to people’s needs, which were assessed, reviewed and care plans were in place including for people’s communication needs. Person-centred care was provided. People were given choices, encouraged to follow their routines, interests, and maintain contact with friends and relatives so that social isolation was minimal. People were given suitable information about the service to make their own decisions regarding if they wanted to use it. Complaints were recorded and investigated.
The provider had a culture that was open, positive, and honest with a transparent leadership and management. The statement of purpose clearly defined the provider’s vision and values and staff understood and followed them and were aware of their responsibilities and accountability. They were happy to take responsibility and raise any concerns they may have with the provider. Service quality was regularly reviewed, and changes made to improve the care and support people received accordingly. This was in a way that suited people best. The provider established effective working partnerships that promoted the needs of people being met outside its remit to further reduce social isolation. Registration requirements were met.
Why we inspected
This service was registered with us on 25 April 2022 and this is the first inspection.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.
You can read the report, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Absolute Care Services (Richmond & Wandsworth) on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.