17 May 2017
During a routine inspection
Mears Homecare Limited – Staffordshire is registered to provide personal care to people living in their own homes who are over the age of 18 years old. There were 28 people using the service on the day of our inspection.
A registered manager was in post and was present during our inspection. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
People were kept safe in their own homes by staff who had been trained to recognise when they may be at risk of harm. Staff were confident in what they needed to do to report any concerns they may have about a person's safety. People felt safe with the staff that supported them and were happy their property was kept secure. There were safe systems in place to manage people's medicines and monitor risks associated with their care.
People were supported by staff who were familiar to them. Staff worked within the same localities to make sure people received a consistency to their care by having the same staff. Staff did not start working for the service until background checks had been completed to make sure they were suitable to support people in their own homes.
People had confidence in the skills of the staff that supported them. Staff received training that was specific to people's needs. Staff were supported to make sure they could carry out their roles effectively and meet the needs of the people they supported.
Staff asked for people's consent before they supported them and gave them choices to enable them to make day-to-day decisions about their care. The registered manager and staff understood their responsibilities in ensuring people's rights would be protected if they needed support with making decisions.
People were happy with the care they received and the kind and caring approach of staff. People had positive relationships with the staff that supported them and felt involved in their own care. They were asked how they wanted their care delivered and felt listened to and respected.
Staff promoted people's independence to enable them to remain in their own homes and respected their privacy and dignity.
People received care and support that was discussed and agreed with them. Staff were responsive to people’s changes in needs and wishes and provided their care the way they wanted it.
People’s opinions on the care they received were sought from the provider, staff and registered manager. This feedback was used to make improvements to the quality of care people experienced. People knew how to make complaints but had not needed to do so. Systems were in place to investigate and respond to complaints.
The service had a positive culture and staff worked for the benefit of the people who used it. The quality of care people received was continually assessed and monitored. Where areas for improvement had been identified, action was taken to ensure these improvements were made and were effective.