Esk Moors Caring Ltd

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.

Leaders promoted continuous learning through regular audits and oversight. Daily notes were reviewed routinely, with any emerging issues followed up and care plans updated to ensure safe, consistent practice.

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.

The provider’s systems supported safe transitions and continuity of care, including use of a trusted assessment form on hospital discharge to ensure staff had the right information to provide continuing care on day one. People told us carers kept to the planned duration of visits, with time recorded and checked, which reinforced reliability of the care pathway. The service also maintained out of hours arrangements and an up-to-date business continuity plan, providing clear escalation and support when any routines were disrupted.

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. People consistently told us they felt safe with the staff supporting them, describing carers as ‘committed’ and ‘reliable’, even in challenging circumstances such as severe weather. Staff demonstrated awareness of individual safeguarding risks, including vulnerability to financial exploitation, with relatives expressing confidence that carers understood and would act on these concerns. Staff also monitored people’s wellbeing during personal care, such as staying close by during showers to prevent falls, showing an embedded understanding of risk and safety.

Safeguarding processes were supported by formal systems: the service kept an active safeguarding file, including referrals made and notifications submitted, and managers reviewed these as part of routine oversight. Regular team meetings were also used to discuss safeguarding concerns and agree appropriate monitoring actions, ensuring issues were recognised and followed up promptly.

The provider worked with people to understand and manage risks in a holistic and supportive way. Staff took a practical and reassuring approach, with people describing carers as attentive to everyday safety, including prompting the use of emergency call buttons. Staff and relatives also stated that workers understood wider vulnerabilities, such as financial exploitation, and were trusted to act appropriately to protect people. This approach ensured people were involved in managing their risks in a way that was respectful and promoted independence.

The provider detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment and made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care. Staff ensured people could move safely around their homes by supporting the use of walking aids and other mobility equipment where required. Care plans and home environment checks were completed thoroughly, recording access arrangements, equipment needs, and safety considerations to guide staff in delivering safe care. Daily notes showed staff monitored any changes in the home environment and promptly communicated concerns to the office for follow up.The service also maintained a detailed business continuity plan to ensure essential care could continue safely during disruptions, such as severe weather or unexpected events.

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.

People told us staff stayed for the full duration of visits and often longer when tasks required it, showing reliability and commitment to delivering safe care. Relatives described strong continuity, noting a core team of regular carers who knew people well and supported consistent, personalised care.

Staff were effectively supported through robust supervision, appraisals, and competency checks. Records showed regular spot checks and observations, ensuring staff maintained safe practice and received feedback to improve their skills. Recruitment and induction processes were thorough, with new staff completing shadow shifts before working independently, helping to ensure safety and consistency from the outset.

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.

People told us staff consistently used PPE, describing carers putting on aprons and gloves at each visit and removing outdoor clothing to maintain hygiene before providing care. The service maintained clear infection control guidance within care plans, including COVID19 specific plans for each person, to ensure staff followed consistent procedures.

Daily notes were detailed and checked regularly, with any emerging concerns escalated to the office and shared with the next carer, ensuring infection related issues were identified and acted on quickly. The provider also ensured PPE availability and infection control expectations were reinforced through team meetings and ongoing oversight.

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.

People told us staff supported them safely with medicines, reminding them to take prescribed medication and keeping accurate records, with no reported errors. Care plans included detailed medication risk assessments and clear guidance for staff on the level of support required, ensuring safe and consistent practice.

Staff followed processes for topical and as required (PRN) medicines, with medication administration records in place and regular audits completed to ensure safe administration. Discussions with the registered manager confirmed updates were being made to ensure PRN protocols aligned with best practice. Medication records were routinely reviewed during home visits and audits, helping staff promptly identify any emerging issues and share information appropriately.