- Homecare service
SSA Quality Care
Report from 1 July 2025 assessment
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
The dates of assessment were from 7 July 2025 to 25 July 2025. We visited the office on 7 July 2025 and 15 July 2025. The assessment was commenced due to emerging concerns about the quality of the service. SSA Quality Care is a domiciliary care service, providing care and support for people living in their own homes. At the time of our assessment the service was supporting 125 people with personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided. The service was also registered for supported living services but was not providing anyone with this support at the time of our assessment.
The overall rating at this assessment is requires improvement. We identified 1 breach of the legal regulation in relation to good governance. There was a lack of consistent oversight of the service and auditing processes were not always effective in identifying shortfalls. Medicines were not routinely managed safely. Risks relating to people’s health, safety and welfare were in place, but they were not always robust and some key areas had not been assessed. Care records were not always detailed or person-centred.
There was a registered manager in post. The provider worked mainly with 2 local authorities, who commissioned their services. Additionally, they supported a number of people who funded their own care.
Feedback from staff was positive and they told us they felt supported. Comments included, “Colleagues and managers often say thank you, which makes a difference,”and “I do feel valued and treated well at work. My manager is approachable and supportive, and I feel comfortable speaking up if I have any concerns or need help.”
We found the provider and registered manager responsive to our feedback throughout the course of the inspection.
We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.
People's experience of this service
People told us they were happy with the support provided. People told us they felt safe using the service. Comments included “Oh yes, definitely (safe)” and “I think she likes that they are there in the evening. She was worried about the key safe but now knows they are reliable.”
People told us staff treated them well. Comments included “They do treat (name of person) well. They are always caring with us both,” “They are all lovely ladies” and“ They have been really good actually, nothing is too much trouble, they are kind compassionate and caring.”
People told us staff supported them were mostly on time. However, some people told us some calls were late and when this occurred people did not always get contacted by the service to advise them of this. We have asked the provider to ensure contact is made with people when calls are running late. However, people told us staff carried out all the support needed and stayed for the full length of time allocated.
People told us staff supported them to live independently and access healthcare when needed.
People told us staff were respectful to them. People’s comments included “I have both male and female and they are all very respectful, kind and I do feel that they look after me well” and “They do everything and take their time”.