All inspections: Wealden Community Care Limited

During our visit we spoke with the manager, care co-ordinator, five care workers, four people who used the service and a relative. We found that people's needs were assessed before and during the service. The planning and delivery of care met people's needs. People who used the service said "The care workers are very considerate. They are patient, competent and professional", and "The quality of the service is very good'.

The service had safeguarding policies. Staff were trained in safeguarding. One member of staff told us "I put service users and their safety first no matter what". A service user told us, 'I feel safe with them'.

The provider ensured there were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified, skilled and experienced staff employed to carry out the work. However one person told us, 'They are good, but often cannot come on time due to travelling time'.

We found that the service provided supervision and appraisals. The staff received mandatory training relevant to their roles and accessed additional training. A care worker said "We are encouraged to study and gain more qualifications and can attend any relevant training we would like'.

The service had a complaint policy. We found that although people who used the service mentioned lateness of calls, they did not lodge complaints with the service. One service user told us, 'We feel hesitant to complaint as we are so dependent on the agency. They are so good we don't want to cause trouble'.

We spoke with ten people who used the service. Some received personal care support others received help with shopping or housework. Those people who received help with personal care said that carers managed this well without making them feel uncomfortable or self conscious. People said they found staff helpful and very good.

We spoke with five staff who told us there was an induction for new staff and a programme of training. Staff were provided with training updates from time to time. Staff reported they had access to supervision and staff meetings. Records viewed confirmed this was the case.

There was evidence that the provider had a system of spot checks in place. The manager and senior care staff visited people several times a year to check they were happy with the service. When we reviewed people's files we saw evidence of these spot checks. People we spoke with also confirmed that senior staff visited on occasion to collect documentation and ask how they were. They also said that they were asked to complete survey questionnaires from the agency from time to time. We saw evidence of these on people's files and that the agency had undertaken to analyse feedback received. The manager assured us that any issues raised were acted upon and there was some evidence of this within the analysis.

We spoke with the care coordinator, three carers, six people who used the service and one representative.

People who used the service told us that they receive care in a way that is respectful

of their privacy and dignity.

They told us that their views and experiences were taken into account and that the management team of Wealden Community Care were responsive to their views.

People who use the service and their representatives told us that they are treated by

staff in a kind and caring manner. They told us that most carers are 'friendly and helpful'. We were told that "some staff are better than others" and 'it varies on who you get as to how helpful they are."

One person told us that their carers "always arrive late. I don't even know when my appointments are." Two other people told us that "sometimes the carers are late but we always receive a call from the office to let us know."

We were told by people that staff make them feel safe and that they would know who to report any concerns to, if they needed to.

Archived: Wealden Community Care Limited

All Inspections

3 July 2013

During a routine inspection

5 December 2012

During a routine inspection

22 February 2012

During a routine inspection