Updated 29 September 2025
Date of Assessment: 9 to 14 October 2025. The service is a domiciliary care agency (DCA) providing support to people in their own homes. At the time of the assessment there were 14 people receiving the regulated activity, personal care.The service provides domiciliary care support to older people, some of whom may be living with dementia, physical disabilities and sensory loss.
People were protected from harm and kept safe. Staff understood and managed risks. There was a safeguarding reporting system that staff expressed full confidence in using. There were enough staff with the right skills, qualifications and experience, however a third of people who we spoke with, described how language could be a barrier.
Managers made sure staff received training, regular supervisions and spot checks to maintain high-quality care provision. Staff managed medicines well and involved people in planning any changes. The provider had a good learning culture and investigated incidents thoroughly.
Recruitment processes were robust. Safe infection prevention and control practices were being followed, and people were supported to ensure their environment was safe.
People were involved in assessments of their needs, which took into account people’s communication, personal and health needs. Staff monitored people’s health, to support healthy living and worked with professionals involved in people’s care to achieve the best outcomes for people. Staff made sure people understood their care and treatment to enable them to give informed consent. People were involved in decisions about their care.
Staff treated each person as an individual, in line with their preferences. People had choice in their care and were encouraged to maintain relationships with family and friends. Staff provided information people could understand. People knew how to give feedback and were confident the provider took it seriously and acted on it. Staff worked to reduce health and care inequalities through training and feedback.
Managers and staff had a shared vision and culture based on listening, learning and trust. Managers were visible, knowledgeable and supportive, helping staff develop in their roles. Staff felt supported to give feedback and were treated equally, free from bullying or harassment. The provider supported staff well being. Staff understood their roles and responsibilities and were very positive about their experiences working for CaringSmart Ltd – Dorset. Managers worked with the local community to deliver the best possible care and were receptive to new ideas. There was a culture of continuous improvement with staff given time and resources to try new ideas.