Updated 29 April 2026
Date of assessment 8 to 12 May 2026
STEPS (Short Term Enablement and Planning Service) is a Domiciliary Care Agency (DCA) providing short term, up to six weeks, enablement and personal care to people living in their own homes. Not everyone who used the service received the regulated activity of personal care. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal care and/or support with eating and drinking. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided.
At the time of the assessment the service supported 177 people, 160 of these were receiving personal care. Visits were a minimum of 30 minutes.
The service supports people with dementia, physical disabilities and sensory impairments. This is a short-term enablement service for people returning home from hospital, or who have been unwell at home and needed support to build up strength and confidence to their previous self-care skills and abilities and enabled people to be as independent in their everyday activities.
The assessment looked at all the key questions; safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. Following the assessment we have rated the service good overall.
There were enough staff to support people. Staff told us they felt well supported and consistently spoke highly about the service, one said, “It’s a very friendly and diverse team, we all get on well. It has a good atmosphere people are welcoming, good company to work for.” Staff training was regularly refreshed and staff told us they received regular supervisions and spot checks.
Staff completed training in core subjects the provider identified as necessary, this included training in supporting people with a learning disability or autistic people. People were not always supported by the same staff, but no concerns were raised regarding staff competency or training. Staff were supported by their managers, and team meetings were held regularly to enable staff reflection and learning.
People were protected from abuse and risks to their safety had been identified and mitigated. Care plans accurately reflected people’s current needs and staff documented the care they provided.
The service culture was focused on encouraging people’s independence and enabling people to live full lives. Staff respected people’s choices and listened to, and acted upon, their requests.
Care staff consistently demonstrated compassionate and person-centred care. They always looked for ways to improve people’s lives and were proud and motivated to work for the organisation.
The service worked effectively with other healthcare professionals, sharing information appropriately and escalating any health concerns to the relevant agency appropriately.