Archived: Housing & Care 21 - Louth

Care plans were written in a way that promoted the individual's choice and independence. They gave clear guidance for care workers on how the care and support should be given.

We visited four people in their own homes. One person told us, 'I get very good care, my carer is lovely.' Another person said, 'They always come, I am extremely satisfied.'

We spoke with three care worker workers who said they felt they had enough time and support to care for people and meet their needs. The staff rotas showed there was only a limited amount of time for travelling to each community call; we were told sometimes this would cause them to be slightly late.

We saw training records which showed members of staff had received appropriate training for their role. In addition we saw records that indicated members of staff were encouraged to undertake a nationally recognised qualification in care.

We saw records of meetings with people by senior members of staff. These meetings served to address any concerns and issues people might have. We were told this provided useful feedback on the quality of the service provided by individual members of staff.

We looked at how staff were deployed throughout the wide area the service covered. We saw that people who used the service were grouped into geographical areas and teams of staff were aligned to each group.

We saw the staff rotas matched the daily logs; the correct staff member attended the appointment and people were supported at the agreed time. We also noted two members of staff were always provided.

We went to the house of a person using the service. We saw the appropriate member of staff arrived on time and was well presented. The person who received the care told us, 'They always come when I need them, they never miss. I am happy with the staff.'

People were protected against the risks associated with medicines because the provider had improved arrangements in place to manage medicines. We found improvements had been made to the quality and accuracy of the care and medication administration records. Care workers had received further training on medication. Detailed medication risk assessments had been completed. Care plans recorded people's medication. The manager had carried out more frequent audits of the care and medication records with positive results.

We found the systems to identify, assess and manage risks to the health, safety and welfare of people who used the service were more robust and effective. Staff had received training in safeguarding people and health and safety. Courses on risk management were scheduled. People's care records had been reviewed. A staff restructuring programme had taken place. Effective auditing programmes were in place.

The person told us they were happy with the care they received.