We carried out a review of the data available to us about Elgar Care Ltd on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Elgar Care Ltd, you can give feedback on this service.
Elgar Care is located in Hereford, Herefordshire. It is a domiciliary care agency which provides support to people in their own homes. It supports people with mental health difficulties, older people and people living with dementia. On the day of our inspection, there were 55 people using the service.
Not everyone who used the service received personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also consider any wider social care provided.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People were cared for by staff who understood how to protect them from abuse and harm and keep them safe. Knowledgeable, skilled staff were available to meet people's needs. People’s risks were assessed and plans in place to guide staff. People were supported with their medicines by staff using safe practice. Staff understood and followed infection control and prevention procedures. Incidents and accidents were investigated, and actions were taken to prevent recurrence.
People's needs were assessed, and care was planned and delivered to meet legislation and good practice guidance. Care was delivered by staff who were well trained and knowledgeable about people's needs and wishes. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People were supported by staff who were caring and kind towards them, who people considered friends. People felt involved and supported in decision making and encouraged to have a say about any potential improvements. People's privacy was respected, and their dignity maintained.
People received personalised care from staff who knew their needs and wishes. Suggestions and ideas were acted upon from people, families and staff. Staff and the management team were responsive to people's individual needs and flexed the service where possible to support people. People's concerns were listened to and action was taken to improve the service as a result. Where improvements were identified, there were plans in place to ensure these were made.
The management team were open, approachable and focussed on providing person centred care. They completed checks to monitor and improve the quality of the service provided. The management team and staff engaged well with other organisations and had developed positive relationships. The registered manager strived to continuously improve their own skills and knowledge.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was good (published)
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.
There was a registered manager at this service and a non-registered manager, both of whom were present on the day of our inspection. Both managers were also the registered providers. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered providers and registered managers 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 involved in discussions about the individual risks associated with their care needs and health conditions. Where risk assessments were in place, these were followed by staff. People felt comfortable to ask for specific requests in relation to their care to make them feel safe. Staff knew how to recognise signs of abuse or harm and where they had concerns, these had been reported. People knew in advance which carers would visit them, and when. Where people needed set carers on set days, this was in place.
People were prompted to take their medicines. People’s rights in relation to what they could expect from staff were clearly set out and abided by.
Staff received ongoing training which was relevant to the needs of the people they support. People were introduced to new members of staff before they cared for them. People were supported to maintain their health and any changes to, or concerns about, their health were acted on. People were encouraged to eat and drink enough.
People’s communication needs and styles were known by staff. People’s religious beliefs were known and respected. End of life care was handled in a dignified and sensitive manner. People were treated with dignity and respect by staff who understood its importance.
People’s preferences and health and wellbeing needs were known by staff. Staff knew people well as individuals, and how they wanted to be supported. People’s care was reviewed to ensure it was still meeting their needs. People knew how to give feedback, raise any concerns or make a complaint about the service they received. Where comments had been made, these had been acted upon.
People, relatives and staff were positive about how the service was run. People could approach the managers, and felt comfortable doing so. Staff were supported in their roles and were positive about these, and the people they support. Quality assurance checks were in place to ensure that people received a high standard of care and that they were happy with the service provided.