Archived: Dairy Barn Lodge

At the last inspection carried out at this agency in January 2013 we found appropriate checks were not undertaken before staff commenced their employment. During this inspection we found staff were recruited appropriately that would ensure that people were cared for by staff who had been through robust checks prior to employment.

Staff assured us that they were trained and supervised appropriately and that they had the skills to do the job required. We heard of regular staff meetings and the approachable office team who supported the staff when required when working in people's own homes.

The agency has systems in place to ensure people were involved and asked their views on the quality of the service. We saw the results of an annual survey that showed good, very good or excellent on each question asked.

All the people we spoke with who used the agency had nothing but compliments. No complaints had been received.

Although we could not be sure the care plans in people's homes were up to date, the people we spoke with told us the care support they received was right for them and that they could not see anything that would improve the service offered. They said they felt safe, that staff knew what they were doing and did it well. One person said, "They never miss a visit, come on time and carry out the care and support competently.'

Although some staff members had not received their training on the protection of vulnerable people, we noted that the provider was aware and was working towards staff being trained. Comments from people we spoke with told us they felt safe when being supported by this agency.

References for new staff were not in place.

Staff were not receiving the recorded supervisions and the training expected. However, we noted the informal supervisions that took place and also the work being done to get the staff trained. People using the service told us the staff were competent and capable.

People were asked about the quality of the service and knew how to complain.