Updated 21 January 2026
Agincare UK Dorchester is a domiciliary care service that provides support and personal care to people in their own homes. Not everyone who used the service received personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided. At the time of our inspection 32 people were receiving support with personal care.
This assessment reviewed the quality statements in the key questions safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led and included a site visit on the 21 January 2026. Off site assessment activity took place between 22 and 23 January 2026.
The registered manager was on maternity leave at the time of this inspection. The service was being managed by the registered manager of another service owned by the provider. Everyone we spoke with told us they, or their loved one felt safe and that most staff knew people well.
People were protected from the risk of harm and abuse; safeguarding processes were clear and robust. Risks to people were assessed, reviewed and managed well to ensure they remained safe.
Care plans were detailed and provided sufficient guidance to staff to keep people safe. Appropriately trained, and supported staff were in place to support people.
Recruitment processes were followed correctly.
Medicines were managed safely, and people told us they received their medication as prescribed. Infection prevention and control measures were in place.
We received mixed feedback from people regarding whether they were involved in decisions or discussions about their care. Everyone we spoke with said staff offered them 'every day' choices, and staff asked for their consent before care was provided. Staff understood how to ensure people’s rights were fully respected and had received training and supervision to ensure it was happening in practice.
Dignity and privacy were respected, and people felt their independence was maintained.
The provider had structures and policies in place to support workforce wellbeing and enablement.
The majority of people knew how to make a formal complaint if they needed, everyone we spoke with said they didn’t have any other concerns.
Policies and procedures underpinned working practices, and this was supported by training, ongoing monitoring / supervisions and discussions during team meetings.
Good and well established links had been made with external professionals.
Audits completed had checked all parts of the service were working well, and actions were taken to rectify any shortfall or negative impact on people. Any lessons learned were shared wider within the Agincare UK group, to promote an open culture that was keen to improve.