The Care Quality Commission

Archived: Helping Hands

Unit A2, 10 Allenbrook Road, Rosehill Industrial Estate, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA1 2UT (01228) 537004

Provided and run by:
Mrs Louise Kelton & Mr Christopher Kelton

All Inspections

During an inspection looking at part of the service

On a previous review of Helping Hands, on the 8 Feburary 2011, it was clear that both staff and people receiving the care were unclear on certain procedures around handling people's money, accepting and giving gifts and on involvement in the making of wills. We were concerned that this could potentially lead to financial misappropriation and expose staff to allegations of financial abuse.

As part of this follow-up review we spoke to 5 people in receipt of care and 4 members of staff.

People spoken to were now very clear on Helping Hands "rules" on money matters including the organisation not having any involvement in either assisting people drawing up wills and also not being a beneficiary in people's wills.

People were also clear on how to make formal complaints, and said that they felt comfortable to approach either a carer or the managers in the office to sort out any issues.

Overall they were very happy with the care they received from Helping Hands, stating that they were reliable and the carers respectful and friendly. They felt their rights and welfare were safeguarded by the procedures of the agency.

8 February 2011

During an inspection in response to concerns

As part of this review we were told by Adult Social Care that people using this service are on the whole happy with the care they receive. This was gained from recent reviews undertaken by social workers who received positive comments on the care, and the problems with late and missed calls which was an issue last year had been sorted out.