Optima Homecare Group 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.

The provider had a proactive and positive culture of safety, based on openness and honesty. Staff listened to concerns about safety and investigated and reported safety events. Lessons were learnt to continually identify and embed good practice. Staff reflected on individual journeys to improve care, including 1 person who progressed from being cared for in bed to walking with support. This was achieved through the introduction of equipment and consistent encouragement. Staff described how person-centred care and family involvement led to improved outcomes.

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety was managed or monitored. They made sure there was continuity of care, including when people moved between different services. For example, people were assessed at the start of their care package and following any recent hospital admissions. Any other involved professionals were included in the assessment.

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve that. 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. Staff understood their responsibilities and followed procedures outlined in the safeguarding policies. These were aligned with national legislation and included guidance on recognising and reporting abuse. No safeguarding concerns were raised during the inspection. People told us they felt safe, with a person saying, “They are kind and caring, I feel safe with them.”

The provider worked with people to understand and manage risks by thinking holistically. Staff provided care to meet people’s needs that was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them. Risk assessments were person-centred and included input from families. Staff monitored health conditions and responded to changes, such as skin integrity concerns or sleep patterns. People and relatives confirmed staff were responsive and respectful, and that care was delivered in line with their preferences.

The provider detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care. For example, key safes were installed at all properties, and equipment such as hoists were serviced regularly. Staff were trained to use equipment safely, and care plans included clear instructions for environmental safety.

The provider made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs. Rotas showed that staff generally arrived on time, although there were some late logins recorded for a small number of carers. These were monitored and did not impact care delivery. Staff received regular supervision. People told us staff were kind, consistent, and well trained. A person said, “They know me well and always turn up.” Staff were recruited safely.

The provider assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly. Staff used appropriate PPE and maintained hygiene during visits.

The provider made sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences. Staff involved people in planning, including when changes happened. Care plans included detailed medication schedules, and staff were aware of specific risks, such as bleeding associated with certain medicines. Medication was administered by trained staff or family members, and records were maintained.