Stocks Home Care Services

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. At our last assessment we rated this key question good. At this assessment the rating has remained 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.

The provider had a proactive and positive culture of safety, based on openness and honesty. Staff listened to concerns about safety and investigated and reported safety events. Lessons were learnt to continually identify and embed good practice. Incidents, accidents and safeguarding concerns were reported appropriately and analysed to identify learning. The service completed a monthly lessons‑learnt analysis which was shared with staff and the provider, and care plans were updated following incidents to reduce the risk of reoccurrence. Staff told us they were kept informed through supervisions and team meetings and felt supported to raise concerns. A visiting professional described the provider as “Proactive in identifying, raising and appropriately escalating safety and safeguarding concerns.”

The provider had systems in place to support people safely during changes in care and when working with other services. Care plans were updated following incidents, hospital admissions and changes in need to ensure staff had current information. People and relatives told us care re-started promptly following hospital discharge and was adjusted to meet changing needs. One family member said, “When they (person) had left hospital the care starts back up immediately.” The service worked closely with health and social care professionals, and professionals reported positive communication and no safety concerns.

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve that. Staff concentrated on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. The provider shared concerns quickly and appropriately. Safeguarding concerns were referred appropriately to the local authority and notified to CQC. Staff understood their responsibilities and took action to protect both people and staff where risks were identified. A professional told us the service “Never hesitate[s] to raise issues, concerns, or emerging risks” and described their safeguarding practice as consistently strong. People and relatives consistently told us they felt safe, with one person telling us, “[I feel] 100% safe. No doubts.”

The provider worked with people to understand and manage risks by thinking holistically. Staff provided care to meet people’s needs that was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them. People were involved in decisions about their care and how risks were managed. Care plans were person centred and reflected people’s preferences, including choices about routines, personal care and staffing. People and relatives told us staff asked for consent and respected decisions, with one person saying, “They always do things the way I like. They give me options.” Where risks were identified, such as following hospital discharge or changes in health, care plans were reviewed and updated in partnership with people and their families.

The provider detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care. The provider supported people to remain safe in their own homes. Staff identified and responded to environmental risks, including securing doors and gates and reducing trip hazards. Families told us carers ensured homes were left safe, with one relative saying, “They (staff) lock up when they are leaving, close the gates. [My relative] feels secure.” The provider worked with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service to promote fire safety, with professionals confirming staff engaged with training and referrals for home fire safety checks.

The provider made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs. Mandatory recruitment checks were completed and staff received regular training, competency assessments and supervision. People experienced a consistent group of carers which supported safe and trusted care delivery. One person told us, “One carer has been with me from the get go. They’re all nice.” Systems were in place to monitor call times and staffing arrangements, and staff safety was considered through risk assessment and use of double‑up visits where needed.

The provider assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly. Staff received relevant training and followed guidance when delivering personal care in people’s homes. People and relatives did not raise concerns about cleanliness or hygiene and described care as well organised and professional. Care plans included information to support safe delivery of care tasks, including personal care and wound or stoma care, which helped staff follow safe practices.

The provider made sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences. Staff involved people in planning, including when changes happened. Many people managed their own medicines, while others received support in line with their care plans. People and relatives told us staff followed instructions and supported medicines safely, with one relative saying, “They [staff] help with medication… They [staff] make sure [my relative] has taken them.” Where medicines support was not required, staff still checked and prompted people appropriately. Care plans included guidance for medicines and topical creams, supporting consistent and safe practice.