At this inspection we reviewed people's care plans and noted the daily communication logs for January and February 2013 showed people were supported by two care workers according to the requirements identified in the risk assessments.
People had confidence in their care workers and felt that the care they were given was consistent whoever visited them. Comments we received included: "I only have positive things to say about Hales, I think they are very good. I have been at my mum's house several times when they have arrived and I always found them pleasant. She is very happy and feels safe.'
We looked at the staffing levels within the service and found there had been times when the correct levels of staff had not been provided to meet people's needs. The manager assured us this would be resolved in the future.
A relative told us they were asked to make the choices when their relative was not able to make a decision for themselves
People told us the care plans were kept in their homes; they told us the care worker entered information into the book each day they visited.
When asked, people said that they were involved in the setting up of the care plan and one person told us that they got the help they asked for.
Other people told us they were well looked after and felt they could raise concerns if needed. One person raised a concern with us during our visit. We spoke with the manager, who resolved the issue with a satisfactory outcome for all persons involved.
Everyone we spoke with said they felt there were enough staff to meet their needs. People said that they felt safe and the staff were good to them.