- Homecare service
Vestra Homecare Hartlepool
Assessment report published 12 December 2025
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Date of Assessment: 3 to 20 November 2025. This was a first inspection of the service since it opened in 2023. Vestra Homecare Hartlepool is a domiciliary care service supporting people in their own homes, including those with complex health conditions, learning disabilities, and mental health needs. At the time of inspection, 375 people were receiving care from the service.
We inspected the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. We found they met this guidance.
Vestra Homecare was delivering a safe, effective, and compassionate service, with several areas of exceptional practice. Care packages were only accepted when staff were confident the person’s needs could be met. The management team clearly understood the staff abilities and would upskill staff if needed and made it clear to brokers when the requested package was outside of their scope. Relatives found the service had enhanced people’s quality of life.
Care was tailored to individual needs and preferences. Staff supported people to maintain independence, make choices, and plan for the future. The service demonstrated a strong commitment to person-centred care, with staff going above and beyond to support people’s wellbeing and personal goals. Examples included helping people attend family events, supporting people with hoarding and substance misuse issues, and enabling people to regain mobility and confidence.
Since registration, the provider had developed effective systems to monitor quality and manage risk. Staff received regular training and supervision, and themed sessions were used to enhance knowledge in areas such as communication, pressure care, and supporting LGBTQ+ people. Safeguarding concerns were generally responded to promptly, and staff understood their responsibilities.
Electronic call monitoring (ECM) data showed that 85% of calls were delivered within 15 minutes of the scheduled time, and people highlighted staff turned up within the allotted timeframe. No calls were missed.
Staffing levels were sufficient, and people received care from regular staff, which helped build trust and continuity. However, some carers reported being short of staff during peak times and there being limited travel time between calls, which affected their ability to deliver care safely. Each care co-ordinator covered a dedicated area. They clearly understood the geography of the area they managed and closely scrutinised the rotas. They aimed to ensure the rotas were organised, so staff always had to visit people in a small area and had enough travel time.
People and relatives were overwhelmingly positive about the service. They felt listened to and said their suggestions were usually acted upon. There was a system in place for responding to any concerns or complaints. People told us the management team were approachable. Overall relatives felt involved and were kept informed about their family member’s care. They found concerns were generally addressed to their satisfaction.
Vestra Homecare Hartlepool demonstrated a safe, effective, and compassionate service that promoted dignity, independence, and wellbeing. The provider showed a clear commitment to continuous improvement and partnership working, and people received care that reflected their needs and preferences.
People's experience of this service
People were overwhelmingly positive about the care and support they received from Vestra Homecare Hartlepool. They described staff as “fabulous,” “kind,” and “respectful,” and many said the service had made a significant difference to their lives. People felt safe and well cared for, with consistent staff who understood their routines and preferences. Many people praised the continuity of care and the trusting relationships they had built with their care staff. One person said, “They know me well and do things in the way I wish them to be done.”
People were confident staff knew how to effectively support them and how to manage any potential risks. People found the service had enhanced their quality of life. People were very positive about the quality of their care and support offered at the service. One relative said, “The company have listened to everything we have suggested and acted on it.” Another told us, “The carers have gone out of their way to help [person], even organising GP appointments and district nurse visits.”
People told us they were treated with dignity and compassion. Staff supported personal care in ways that preserved privacy, such as wrapping towels around people and allowing space. Carers were described as friendly and chatty, often staying to talk even after tasks were completed. This helped people feel relaxed and valued. Several people said they looked forward to their carers’ visits and felt reassured by their presence. Some people did mention they would like the staff to stay the full time and chat. The management team immediately looked at how this could be put in place.
Most people said staff arrived on time and stayed for the full duration of calls. They appreciated the continuity of care and felt confident in the staff’s abilities. Where delays occurred, people understood the reasons and said they were informed when possible. Staff wore gloves and aprons, washed their hands regularly, and followed infection control procedures.
People were supported to make choices and maintain independence. Staff encouraged people to do tasks for themselves where possible, and adapted care to reflect changing needs. One person said, “They always are happy to help but also let [person] do the things she wants to like washing up the dishes.” People with complex needs, including those with dementia, mental health conditions, and physical disabilities, received tailored support that promoted wellbeing and autonomy.