27 February 2019
During a routine inspection
Care 4 U Homecare agency is a domiciliary care agency. At the time of our inspection, the service was providing care to 81 people who were living in their own homes.
People’s experience of using this service:
¿ People told us that they were supported by staff who knew them well. The service was well organised with visits allocated on a geographical basis. This meant people were supported by a small and consistent staff team.
¿ They said that the care staff were kind, caring and cheerful. One person told us, “They put a smile on my face”. We were told that staff were attentive to detail and ensured people were comfortable and content during and after their visits. They told us that staff were generally punctual, but if they were running late they would receive a message telling them so. We were told that some carers would, “Go the extra mile” to ensure their well-being and happiness.
¿ Staff were diligent to people’s safety and security. They demonstrated a good understanding of safeguarding policy and procedures and were vigilant to any signs of abuse. Where risk to people’s health, safety and wellbeing had been identified care plans were put in place to manage these risks. Care plans were person-centred and provided staff with the information they needed to provide care and support in a way that met people’s needs and preferences.
¿ Staff selection procedures systems ensured that staff were safely recruited, and ongoing training provided staff with up to date knowledge and understanding of their care and support responsibilities.
¿ People told us that the care staff had enough time to perform tasks and would spend time listening to what they had to say. They told us that they knew their staff well, and always knew who would be visiting them.
¿ Medicines were managed in line with good practice guidance, and staff were knowledgeable about control of infection. They liaised with health professionals where necessary to ensure that people received timely medical intervention.
¿ People told us that they knew how to complain, but those we spoke with said that they had no cause to complain. When we reviewed the complaints log we saw that complaints had been investigated fully and where they had been substantiated appropriate remedies were put in place.
¿ There were processes in place to monitor the safety and quality of the service, and people were given opportunities to provide feedback on the quality of their support.
¿ The service had a registered manager in post at the time of our inspection and was supported in the day to day management of the service by an administrator. The management team were open and supportive to staff and understood their responsibilities to operate the service safely and effectively.
The service met the characteristics of good in all areas. More information is in the full report.