Alina Homecare - Dorchester

Updated 18 March 2026

Alina Homecare – Dorchester is a domiciliary care agency service providing personal care to people in their own homes. At the time of our inspection, they were providing personal care to 11 people and a live-in care service with personal care to 3 people who lived in Dorset. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided.

The assessment took place between 19 March 2026 and 31 March 2026. We visited the location's office on 19 March 2026. We gave the service notice of the inspection. This was because it is a small service and we needed to be sure that the provider would be available to support the inspection. During the inspection we assessed the quality statements under all key questions of safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led. This is the first assessment for this newly registered service.

People received safe, personalised care that met their needs. Staff were aware of their responsibility to identify and report potential abuse. People’s medicines were managed safely. Staff completed safeguarding training and were confident any concerns raised would be properly dealt with. There were enough staff to meet people’s needs, and people were supported by a consistent staff team. People were complimentary about the staff and positive relationships had been developed. People had a person–centred and comprehensive care plan, which they helped devise and review regularly.

Staff had been recruited safely with all pre-employment checks completed prior to them starting. Staff were well supported in their role with good access to training and supervision. Staff felt able to speak openly with the registered manager. The registered manager had implemented systems to facilitate good communication, and processes to record and learn from any incidents, accidents or complaints that occurred. A regular programme of spot checks was in place to review the quality and safety of care delivery. The provider had established a process of learning from events that had either put people and staff at risk of harm, or had caused them harm, to improve the service. Openness and transparency about safety was actively encouraged and embedded in the service.

Updated 18 March 2026

People and their relatives spoke positively about the service, confirming people’s needs were met and staff had provided safe and compassionate support. People and their relatives felt involved in managing risks, and risk assessments were person-centred, proportionate and reviewed regularly. Staff had access to assessments and records via the electronic care planning system, which meant oversight was in real time, and changes could be made quickly. Staff encouraged people to remain as independent as possible, providing support only where necessary.

Staff involved people in their care and respected their decisions. People and relatives, including legal representatives, confirmed they were, when appropriate, involved in creating and reviewing people’s care plans. One relative told us, “I have been involved in my [loved one’s] care plan. The manager and assistant manager are both excellent at communication, and always listen to my concerns, and make amendments to my [loved one’s] care.”

People were treated with kindness and supported to meet their individual needs. Staff ensured people were listened to and took the time to get to know the people they were supporting, including finding out what was important to them and how they preferred to be supported. Comments included, “I have a great relationship with all the staff. My main carer always goes above and beyond. They know exactly what I like and how I like it which I find extremely helpful” and “They are extremely good at dealing with my [loved one], who has dementia. They have lots of patience, and a kind, caring attitude. Nothing is too much trouble.”

People and relatives were comfortable with approaching the office staff with any concerns they had and were confident the registered manager would address them.