First4Homecare Ltd

On this page

• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

Effective – this means we looked for evidence that people’s care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life, based on best available evidence.At our last assessment we rated this key question good. At this assessment the rating has remained good. This meant people’s outcomes were consistently good, and people’s feedback confirmed this.

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 made sure people’s care and treatment was effective by assessing and reviewing their health, care, well being and communication needs with them. People’s needs were assessed prior to using the service and were documented clearly in care records. People were asked their likes and preferences, and these were recorded. Care needs were reviewed regularly, and the team were updated following any changes. There was a clear and effective referrals process.

The provider planned and delivered people’s care and treatment with them, including what was important and mattered to them. They did this in line with legislation and current evidence-based good practice and standards. Care records detailed what support was needed, for example, if there was a risk of choking. These risks were recorded and guidance available for staff to follow. For example, where staff needed to cut food into bite size pieces and supervise the person eating to reduce the risk of choking. The provider shared examples of how risks to people’s health and well being were managed. Care records evidenced that a range of health care professionals were involved in people’s care and support. Staff recorded information in care notes to reflect recommendations made by health care professionals. Guidance was reflective of best practice.

The provider worked well across teams and services to support people. They made sure people only needed to tell their story once by sharing their assessment of needs when people moved between different services. The provider shared examples of how they worked alongside other health care professionals. For example, the team worked with a range of health care professionals including the GP, District Nurses, Occupational Therapist and Speech and Language Therapists. Care records showed the benefits for people when the team worked in partnership with other professionals. For example, new equipment was provided for a person. This assisted the person to be more independent and safer in their home.

The provider supported people to manage their health and well being to maximise their independence, choice and control. Staff supported people to live healthier lives and where possible, reduce their future needs for care and support. Care plans provided clear and detailed information, to ensure staff had a good understanding of people’s health and well being. Staff supported people to live healthy lives. For example, following a referral to the occupational therapist a person’s environment was made safer and assisted them to be more independent when using their bathroom.

The provider routinely monitored people’s care and treatment to continuously improve it. They ensured outcomes were positive and consistent, and that they met both clinical expectations and the expectations of people themselves. Care records showed staff supported people to achieve their goals. The provider monitored outcomes to support people to achieve their goals. For example, one person had some difficulty with elements of their care, the provider suggested additional support. Over time the person gradually regained their full ability and was able to do things with less support. People were pleased with the flexibility of the support provided. Regular reviews of people’s care needs meant the care and support could be increased or decreased as needs changed.

The provider told people about their rights around consent and respected these when delivering person-centred care and treatment. Care records showed people had been involved in their care plans. In cases where people lacked the capacity to make decisions, appropriate arrangements were in place. Staff understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. In some cases, a best interest decision was made. These were documented and evidence recorded in people’s assessments and care plans.