Archived: Red Lodge Domiciliary Care Agency

People had care plans and risk assessments in place which helped staff to understand and meet people's needs. A person we spoke with said "The support is wonderful. There is plenty to do if you want it, I have lots of hobbies and I go to the coffee mornings. All of the staff go out of their way to help you." We saw that people were supported to maintain their independence and observed a warm and friendly rapport between those living and working within this service.

There were policies and procedures in place which helped to protect people from abuse. Issues raised were referred appropriately to the local authority's safeguarding of vulnerable adult's team for further investigation or advice. This helped to protect and safeguard

people.

We saw that there were sufficient staff on duty and staff received training to ensure that they had the skills they needed to be able to look after people safely. A member of staff said "It is a very good organisation to work for; we are kept up to date with our training."

There were quality monitoring systems in place to gain the views and opinions of people regarding the way in which the service was ran. One person told us "I am asked for my views and opinions."

All of the people we spoke with said that they were well cared for by staff. They told us that there was a restaurant on site which many people used and people said that the food was good. Other comments included "Staff are very good, they take good care of us and help you to remain independent' and "It's a nice place and I have help when I need it.'

People said they felt safe and there were systems in place which helped to protect people. Comments included "I fell and I pressed my alarm and staff supported me until I went to hospital" and "I know if I press my alarm, staff will come and check on me."

We found that there were some gaps in staff training and not all staff had received regular supervision. People told us "The staff are very busy which means sometimes you may need to wait, but they always get to you' and 'They are all very nice girls.'

People said they felt confident in raising any concerns and said that they felt these would have been appropriately addressed.

Comments included "If I had any concerns I would ring reception but I am quite content with the service" and "I think I would feel quite happy raising any concerns."