Archived: Look Ahead South East London LD Domiciliary Care Service

We looked at people's care records which showed care planning and risk assessments were thorough and ensured people were kept safe whilst maintaining their independence. People told us they felt, "supported" and "safe."

We saw staff had been trained in safeguarding vulnerable people. We spoke to staff who told us they were happy with their safeguarding training and were able to discuss the different forms of abuse. We noted staff followed safeguarding procedures when incidents took place and knew who to contact in the event of a safeguarding issue.

We saw there were sufficient numbers of staff with the right competencies, training and knowledge to provide safe, effective care. We noted there were systems in place to be able to respond to changing circumstances within the service.

We saw evidence that the provider and manager regularly monitored the quality of the service provided. This involved people's feedback and regular audits of quality of support and care worker management audits. We noted that risk and support plans were updated and reviewed regularly.

People who use the service understood the care and treatment choices available to them. Before people joined the service, senior staff met with them to discuss the services available and the best ways to support them. This information was documented in their plans of care.

There were comprehensive care planning arrangements in place in the service, which included up to date care plans and risk assessments.

The provider had arrangements in place to protect people from abuse which included safeguarding training for its staff team. A safeguarding policy was in place, which highlighted staff responsibilities to protect people from harm.

Suitable recruitment checks were completed to ensure people were cared for and supported by suitably qualified, skilled and experienced staff.

The provider had arrangements in place to monitor the quality of the service, which included surveys and regular reviews of care arrangements with the involvement of people using the service.