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Archived: Alzheimer's Society - West Sussex Coastal

27 Stone Lane, Worthing, West Sussex, BN13 2BA (01903) 262666

Provided and run by:
Alzheimer's Society

All Inspections

21 January 2014

During a routine inspection

At the time of this inspection Alzheimer's Society Worthing provided support to 70 people with a staff team of 17. During the course of our inspection we spoke to the manager of the service and four support staff and telephoned five relatives of people supported by Alzheimer's Society and spoke with them about the support provided to their loved one. They told us that they were happy with the agency. Their comments included, "[My relative] is looked after by people that know them really well and truly care" and 'really helpful and extremely competent '. All relatives said their loved ones were always treated with dignity and respect and they were fully involved in support plans.

We found that before people received any care and support they were asked for their opinion and agreement to ensure that staff acted in accordance with their wishes. We found that people's care and support needs were assessed and each person had a written support plan that set out their identified needs and the actions required of staff to meet these. We found that time had gone into matching the staff member with the client to ensure a person centred approach.

The provider had a satisfactory recruitment and selection procedure in place to ensure that staff were appropriately employed. We found that people were protected from the risks of unsafe or inappropriate care and treatment because accurate and appropriate records were maintained.' Our observations of the service showed that staff spoke with and interacted on the telephone with people who used the service in a patient, professional and pleasant manner.

6 February 2013

During a routine inspection

People who used the service were not able to speak with us by telephone due to communication and comprehension difficulties related to their dementia. However, we spoke with three relatives who gave their feedback about the service. These relatives cared for their family members full time and The Alzheimer's Society support workers gave them a respite each week. One relative said, "They have been so great . . . very helpful." Another relative said the service "Works extremely well."

Relatives told us they had observed the care and support given to their family members. They told us that staff treated their family members with respect and dignity. Staff told us they promoted people's dignity by giving them choices and helping them to partake in leisure activities.

We found that people's care was planned and delivered in line with their individual care plans. People and their relatives were involved in care decisions and their feedback was sought. People received support appropriate to their needs and preferences.

People were protected from the risk of abuse or neglect because staff understood how to identify and report safeguarding concerns. The provider had taken appropriate action to safeguard vulnerable people.

Staff received appropriate training and support. Staff felt supported to carry out their roles effectively and safely.

Records were appropriately maintained and stored.