Crossroads (Barnsley) Limited

On this page

• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

Effective – this means we looked for evidence that people’s care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life, based on best available evidence. At our last assessment we rated this key question good. At this assessment the rating has remained good. This meant people’s outcomes were consistently good, and people’s feedback confirmed this.

This service scored 83 (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 made sure people’s care and treatment was effective by assessing and reviewing their health, care, wellbeing and communication needs with them.

People’s needs were assessed using a range of formal assessment tools, these were reviewed regularly to identify if people’s needs had changed. The assessments were comprehensive and completed with relatives and significant others who knew the person best.

People and relatives told us they were involved in assessments and care planning from the start of the service. People using the service said their care was reviewed regularly, and they felt included in ongoing conversations about their support. Relatives described being involved in discussions about their family member’s care and felt their views were listened to and respected. One relative told us how staff had consulted them when deciding which carers were most suitable to support their family member. This ensured care was tailored to individual needs and promoted continuity and confidence.

Staff demonstrated a clear understanding of the importance of assessment and person‑centred planning. One staff member told us, “Assessing needs is the most important part of our job. We focus on people’s wishes and independence and involve their families to create care plans around individual needs. We listen carefully and support people to make their own decisions, including everyday choices such as clothing or activities.”

The provider planned and delivered people’s care and treatment with them, including what was important and mattered to them. They did this in line with legislation and current evidence-based good practice and standards.

Evidence-based tools were used to identify and assess any risks related to falls, risk of pressure sores and nutrition and hydration. From this, a personalised care plan was developed tailored to each person's individual needs, which was reviewed and updated as they changed.

Staff received training relevant to their roles, which supported them to provide care in line with current best practice. The management team monitored practice through regular audits and spot checks to ensure standards were maintained and areas for improvement were identified.

Policies and procedures reflected relevant national guidance, and staff demonstrated an understanding of how this informed their practice.

Electronic systems were used across the service, and all ongoing records and reviews were completed within the system. This ensured information was entered directly and could be accessed by all relevant staff in real time.

The provider worked well across teams and services to support people. They made sure people only needed to tell their story once by sharing their assessment of needs when people moved between different services.

The service worked well across teams, liaising with GPs, district nurses and families to plan and coordinate interventions. This joined up approach supported consistent, responsive care that reflected people’s needs and preferences.

Meetings were used to support communication and oversight within the service. Management held regular meetings to discuss people using the service, review care-related matters, and monitor any emerging risks or themes.

The provider consistently supported people to manage their health and wellbeing in ways that maximised their independence, choice, and control. Staff encouraged people to live healthier lives and, where possible, reduced the likelihood of future care and support needs.

People had access to external health and social care professionals when required. Records showed that staff worked closely with local community and health services and sought advice and guidance appropriately. Staff identified changes in people’s health and wellbeing. They reported things to the relevant professionals and supported referrals.

People had positive results from the care they received. Relatives told us staff worked with them to meet health and diet needs. This helped people feel better and reduced the need for medication. One relative said their family member came off all medication and their quality of life improved.

Another family member told us their relative had not wanted to leave the house for a long time. Since receiving support, their confidence improved. They began going out again because staff supported them in a kind and understanding way.

The service actively supported early intervention and prevention through community‑based health education. Staff worked with local community groups to deliver teaching sessions on recognising early symptoms of cancer, including prostate, breast, and ovarian cancer. These sessions improved awareness, encouraged timely access to health services, and supported efforts to reduce health inequalities.

The provider monitored people’s care and treatment to improve outcomes and ensure support met both clinical expectations and people’s own goals.

People experienced improved physical and emotional wellbeing through timely referrals, regular monitoring, and consistent, person‑centred support. Staff supported people to manage their health in ways that maximised choice, control, and independence and, where possible, reduced future care needs.

Records showed staff worked closely with external health and social care professionals, sought advice appropriately, and escalated concerns promptly when people’s presentation, emotional wellbeing, or levels of distress changed. While referrals were progressing, staff continued to meet people’s needs safely and effectively.

People achieved positive and measurable outcomes through the support they received. The provider monitored and improved outcomes by supporting people to access employment, volunteering, and training opportunities. Staff supported people to develop skills, increase independence, and progress toward meaningful occupations. For example, one person sustained a volunteering role for 3 years, which supported learning and confidence building. This led to the person moving into paid employment and achieving 2 Level 2 qualifications. Another person gained work experience within the community café. These outcomes demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting independence, development, and meaningful contribution.

The provider told people about their rights around consent and respected these when delivering person-centred care and treatment.

People were supported to make their own decisions about their care and support wherever possible. The provider was working in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Records showed where assessments demonstrated a person was unable to make a specific decision, capacity assessments were completed and best interest decisions had been made with the involvement of the person, family and appropriate health or care professionals.

Staff consistently communicated with people, offered meaningful choices, and sought consent before providing care. One staff member said, “I communicate with the person, offer choices, let them make decisions and ask for consent.”

Staff recognised the importance of respecting people’s right to refuse care. One staff member said, “If someone refused care, I would respect their choice, encourage them gently, and report it to the office if needed.” This demonstrated staff awareness of balancing choice with appropriate escalation where necessary.