During an assessment under our new approach
About the service
Elder Years Care Limited is a domiciliary care agency providing personal care and support to people living in their own homes. At the time of out inspection there were 20 people using the service.
Who the service is for
Elder Years Care Limited provides support to older people, younger people, people with a learning disability and people living with dementia.
We have assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence, and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.
Our view of the service
We carried out this assessment between 15 and 25 June 2026. This service was previously rated as good. We carried out this assessment to confirm whether the rating of good remains accurate. This report does not provide detailed information on areas where we found practice continues to meet a good standard. Instead, our findings focus on any areas where the service needs to improve or where we found exceptional practice.
People were supported by enough staff who had the skills and knowledge to support them safely. The provider had a robust recruitment process in place to help them select suitable staff. Risks associated with people’s care were identified and managed to keep people safe and people were involved in the process. There were effective systems to safeguard people from abuse. Staff were knowledgeable about safeguarding and knew what to do if they suspected abuse. One staff member said, “I would report it [abuse] to a manager straight away as well as having my suspicions documented. I believe the management team would take appropriate action.”
We checked and found that staff and management worked within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). People were not subject to unlawful or excessive restrictions they had choice control and freedom over their lives.
People received their medicines from staff who were trained and competent to administer medicines safely. The provider had a system in place to monitor accidents and incidents which helped them to identify trends and patterns to improve the service. Staff were given opportunities to reflect on practice, and the provider involved them in learning lessons.
People’s needs were assessed and care delivered in line with them. Care plans and risk assessments were kept under review and any changes to people’s care were identified quickly and care documentation was updated. People were included in decisions about their care. One staff member said, “I don’t take over when providing support but encourage involvement [from people].” One external professional said, “Elder Years actively promote independence while recognising changing needs. They work proactively with individuals and carers to ensure care remains appropriate, adapting support sensitively and preventing escalation where possible.”
Staff explained how they supported people in a kind and caring way. External professionals told us staff and leaders provided support with kindness. One external professional said, “Elder Years demonstrated exceptional person-centred practice not only towards the service user but also towards the carer. The [relative] was initially reluctant to accept support for [person]. Elder Years worked at their pace, gradually increasing care in a sensitive and supportive way. Their approach recognised [person’s] emotional needs and concerns about coping, ultimately preventing a potential crisis for both individuals.”
People’s care plans were person centred and clearly involved people and their family members. For example, people’s preferred names were recorded. The provider had a complaints procedure and recorded any concerns and the action they took. Leaders were keen to learn from comments made about the service and engaged with people to keep complaints at a minimum. Several people and relatives had complimented the service for the support they had received.
Leaders expressed they wanted the same care for people as they would their own family members. They wanted people to be respected, supported and encouraged to live their best life. Putting people first was central to their values and enabling people to remain at home for as long as they wished, whilst keeping them happy, safe and giving them opportunities. Staff were introduced to the provider’s values when they applied for a post and through their induction, training and staff support.
The management team had clear responsibilities, roles and systems of accountability which enabled them to have a clear oversight of the service. Staff and leaders worked well with external professionals who told us the service was well managed. One external professional said, “Elder Years appear able to deliver support in line with assessed needs and agreed plans. This would indicate that, in stable placements, individuals are supported to maintain their independence, wellbeing and choice.We have very few requests to change providers from Elder Years and once Elder Years have been successful with a package of care, they tend to remain with the individual for a long time.” Another external professional said, “Overall, it is always a positive experience working with Elder Years. They show a clear understanding of their clients and their families, consistently demonstrating professionalism, compassion, and a commitment to high-quality, person-centred care.”
Staff told us they felt supported by the management team who were approachable. One staff member said, “We have supervisions and appraisals, and they are supportive and I feel supported by my manager.”