1st Homecare Solutions Limited

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

Safe – this means we looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm.

At our last assessment we rated this key question Good. At this assessment the rating has remained Good. This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

We did not look at Learning culture during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Safe systems, pathways and transitions during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

Staff concentrated on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. The provider shared concerns quickly and appropriately.

People and relatives told us they felt safe using the service, and with the staff who provided their care and support. One person told us, “I feel very safe and comfortable around the carers. If it wasn’t for them [staff], I wouldn’t be going out and my anxiety would be worse.”A relative said, “They [staff] have been an absolute God send, very professional, very friendly. They go above and beyond, and they are so accessible. I have got to know the carers well and most importantly [family member] feels safe around them, I know they are in good hands.”

Staff had received training in safeguarding people from abuse and understood their responsibilities to protect people from avoidable harm. Staff were aware of signs of potential abuse, and how to report any concerns. Staff were confident that management would deal with any issues promptly and appropriately. The provider’s ‘live’ monitoring of service reports through the electronic system enabled them to act on concerns immediately.

Staff provided care that was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them. People and their relatives said they were involved in managing risks and could access records on the electronic system. One relative said, “[Family member] has a moving and handling plan. The carers stay informed with any changes, and the staff are trained and do the job properly.”

Staff demonstrated a good understanding of potential risks relating to each person, such as mobility, choking, health and wellbeing risks. The agency provided relevant support and equipment, where required to help minimise these risks. One staff member said, “Following the risk assessment helps to reduce the risk to both the client and the carer.” Another member of staff told us, “Risk assessments are crucial for the safety of clients and staff. They give us the information we need to provide the best care we can for the client.”

Records confirmed that risk assessments were in place and regularly reviewed. The provider demonstrated they had worked with people effectively to manage risk, ensuring people were free to continue with the activities they enjoyed such as visits to the church, clubs, and family outings. One person said, “The carers work with me to manage the visits which makes life so much better.”

We did not look at Safe environments during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

The provider made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. One person said, “The carers always stay back if something else needs doing or if my [personal care] is taking longer than normal.” A relative told us, “The carers know what they’re doing. They have good knowledge and understanding to support [family member] with care and compassion.”

The provider ensured there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff. Staff received effective support, supervision and development. They worked well together to provide safe care that meet individual needs. One staff member said, “We have an emergency ‘on call’ to contact if we need support and they are all very helpful.” Another member of staff said, “I can choose my availability that works round me and my family. There is never any pressure to work long days.”

The provider followed safe recruitment practices with robust induction, training and support for staff. If people needed additional support staff stayed longer to ensure people were safe and well cared for. This was reported to the office staff or on call if outside of normal office hours. The provider had continuous recruitment in place to ensure safe levels of staffing to cover holidays, sickness and other eventualities.

We did not look at Infection prevention and control during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Medicines optimisation during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.