- Homecare service
Care Options
Assessment report published 1 September 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Date of assessment: 28 July to 11 August 2026. Care Options is a domiciliary care agency providing the regulated activity personal care to people living in their own homes. The service supports adults over 65 years, people with dementia, mental health conditions, physical disabilities and sensory impairments. At the time of this assessment the service was supporting 16 people.
People’s needs were assessed prior to any packages of care being agreed and planned. The assessments were kept updated and helped leaders produce a care plan. Staff had access to information on people’s needs on an electronic care planning system.
If people needed help to access healthcare, staff contacted professionals and organised appointments. Systems were effective for staff to communicate with each other about people’s changing needs and any events or incidents. Staff understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the importance of obtaining consent. People signed consent forms prior to any service starting.
Risks to people’s safety had been assessed and there was guidance for staff to know what care and support to provide. However, some risk management plans lacked details in some areas, particularly around health conditions such as diabetes. Leaders regularly contacted healthcare professionals when needed and staff knew early signs of general ill health.
Medicines were managed safely. People had medicines administration records which staff signed when administering medicines. Details of medicines support were recorded in people’s care records and staff had training on medicines management. Leaders had completed some observations of staff administering medicines, however, there were no details recorded of what was observed and whether staff were competent.
Staff were recruited safely and new staff had an induction when starting work. Refresher training was provided and staff said they could ask for any further training if needed. The provider had systems to support staff wellbeing and promote equality, diversity and inclusion amongst the workforce. Staff told us they felt well supported and enjoyed their work.
Governance systems were effective to help the provider assess quality and safety. People, relatives and staff were asked for their views on the service regularly. Unannounced quality checks were completed and leaders telephoned people to make sure they were happy with the service. There was a registered manager in post who was also the owner. Day to day management was being completed by an administrator and manager.
People's experience of this service
People said they felt safe using the service and had visits from staff who were very caring. Comments about the staff included, “Staff are very professional and caring, they ensure the needs of [person] are met.” Nobody reported they had experienced any missed or very late visits.
People and relatives said communication with staff and leaders was good and the service was responsive to requests for changes to planned visits. People were involved in their care and had seen copies of their care plans.
People knew how to raise any concern. Everyone we spoke with said they would recommend the service to others because staff were caring and respectful towards people, they were reliable and there was a continuity with people’s care.