Archived: Combined Care Services

1 Elworthy Grove, Whelley, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN1 3UH (01942) 665044

Provided and run by:
Mrs Gillian Tomlinson

All Inspections

24 August 2012

During a themed inspection looking at Domiciliary Care Services

We carried out a themed inspection looking at domiciliary care services. We asked people to tell us what it was like to receive services from this home care agency as part of a targeted inspection programme of domiciliary care agencies with particular regard to how people's dignity was upheld and how they could make choices about their care. The inspection team was led by a CQC inspector and joined by an Expert by Experience who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of service.

We carried out four telephone interviews and three home visits to people who used the service and to their main care givers (a relative or friends) to gain views about the service. We spoke with two of the staff members who worked for the agency and observed two more during one of the home visits.

People told us that Combined Care Services provided good quality care and offered a reliable service. People spoke positively about their care workers and that they fully supported their care needs.

People we spoke with told us they were given choices as to what they needed care staff to do for them. Comments included; 'Peace of mind, they are a godsend.'

People told us that an assessment of their needs had been carried out when they started receiving support from the agency. This had then been used by the staff and with the person to produce a care plan and risk assessments for them to work to. .

People confirmed that they felt safe with the carers who were visiting them and did not feel in any way threatened or concerned when the care workers were around. They knew they could speak with the provider/manager and would have no problem doing so if they had any concerns.

All of the people we spoke with made positive comments about the staff members who supported them. Comments included; 'Carers are smashing.'

People told us they were regularly asked if they were happy with the care and the service provided. They thought the agency was open to suggestions and actively sought views to help and improve the service provided.