LA Care Ltd

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

Safe – this means we looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm.

This is the first assessment for this service. This key question has been rated good.

This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

There were systems to learn when things went wrong. Staff reported accidents and incidents. The registered manager investigated these. They worked alongside people and their relatives to resolve any issues and make improvements to the service. Following adverse events, the registered manager contacted people and their relatives to make sure they were happy with the agency’s response and actions. The provider’s records showed people were satisfied with outcomes. The registered manager discussed learning from these events in team meetings.

The provider supported people to have safe transitions between services. The registered manager carried out assessments of people’s needs before they started using the service. They created records which could be viewed and shared with external professionals when needed. We saw staff had completed appropriate handovers to ambulance staff and people’s relatives following a fall. Relatives told us they were happy with the support people had to access services.

There were procedures for safeguarding adults and children. Staff received training to understand how to recognise and report abuse. Staff were able to explain about this. The registered manager had a good understanding about safeguarding processes. They carried out regular audits to ensure people were safe and any risks to avoidable harm were identified. There had not been any safeguarding concerns at the service at the time of our assessment. People using the service and their relatives told us they felt there was safe care. Their comments included, “[Person] feels safe with this agency” and “My family feels extremely safe in the hands of LA Care Ltd.”

The provider assessed risks to people’s safety and wellbeing. They discussed these with people and their relatives. They created plans which helped staff manage and reduce risks. People and their relatives told us they were supported to take appropriate risks. The registered manager reviewed information about people’s mobility, health conditions and wellbeing. They incorporated this into risk management plans. Staff undertook training to understand how to manage risks. For example, training to support people to move safely. Risk assessments and management plans were regularly reviewed and updated when needed.

The provider supported people to live in a safe environment. They assessed the risks in people’s home environments and discussed this with people and their relatives. The provider supported people to understand about environmental safety.

There were enough staff to support people and keep them safe. People told us they were cared for by the same regular care workers. They explained they arrived on time. A person commented, “[Care workers] are always on time, punctual and complete all the necessary tasks.” People felt care workers were well trained and understood their needs.

The provider had systems to check the suitability of staff when they were recruited. This included carrying out a range of checks. New staff completed inductions and the registered manager assessed their skills, knowledge and competencies at different tasks. Staff undertook a range of training relevant to their role. They had regular supervision and appraisals with the registered manager. This helped to ensure they understood about safe care and followed best practice guidance.

The provider had systems to help prevent and control infection. Staff undertook training to understand about these systems. Staff were provided with personal protective equipment (PPE). The registered manager carried out checks on staff to ensure they were following safe hygiene practices. People and their relatives told us staff kept their homes clean.

People were supported to take their medicines safely and as prescribed. The registered manager discussed people’s medicines needs with them. They assessed risks related to medicines and incorporated their needs into support plans. There were a range of medicines procedures. Staff undertook training to understand about safe medicines management. The registered manager assessed staff knowledge and competencies in handling medicines. Staff kept clear records to show when medicines had been administered. The registered manager audited these.