- Homecare service
GoodOaks Homecare
Assessment report published 28 July 2025
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Dates of assessment, 12 June to 23 June 2025. GoodOaks Homecare is a care at home service providing personal care to people with physical disabilities, people living with dementia and sensory impairment. At the time of our inspection 62 people were receiving the regulated activity of personal care. The service provided homecare visits to some people and other people received a live-in care package.
People were supported by staff who were not always recruited safely, we identified some shortfalls during our inspection, including staff commencing employment without robust checks. Quality assurance systems were in place; however, some audits did not identify where recruitment checks were lacking and where people’s care records were not always consistent.
People were supported by a core staffing team and told us they felt safe with staff. Staff arrived at people’s homes on time and stayed for the duration of their visits. Staff were trained to meet people’s individual needs and were checked and supervised regularly.
People’s medicines were administered and managed safely. Staff were trained to protect people from the risk of harm or abuse, the registered manager made appropriate referrals to the local authority safeguarding team when needed. Staff followed infection prevent and control procedures and wore personal protective equipment to prevent the spread of infection.
People and their relatives told us staff were kind and caring. They gave examples of how staff protected their dignity and respected their independence whilst offering choices to them.
People were enabled to access health and social care professional support when their needs changed. Staff followed professional advice, monitored the effectiveness of treatment plans and fedback to professionals when needed.
Staff delivered person-centred care and knew who and what was important to the people they supported. People’s communication needs were assessed and care plans were written to guide staff on their preferred way of communicating.
The service was run by a committed registered manager who knew people very well, they welcomed feedback about the service, they listened and acted on people’s responses.
People's experience of this service
People and their relatives provided positive feedback about the staff and the support they offered. Their comments included, “I saw [person] yesterday and they were very happy and thought the carer was very good. The carer has taken a special interest in their diet and [person] is enjoying this.” And “The one that comes most often is excellent and is aware of [persons’ needs] and what they are able to do.” Another said, “They are very, very sweet and caring.”
People told us staff were well trained and supported them in accordance with their needs and wishes. A person said, “They are well trained. They laugh and chat with me.” People and their relatives were involved in their support and helped to formulate their care plans. A person said, “I think there is a care plan, it’s in a folder. Yes we talk altogether about the care.”
People were enabled to retain their independence as much as possible. A relative commented, “I am seeing little improvements every time. [Person] seems so happy and very well looked after.” Another relative said, “[Staff member] does concentrate on what [person] can do, and they have a little dance.” A person told us staff were consistent and said, “Normally I have the same carer and we get on marvellous. [Staff member] is very good with me.”
People and their relatives told us they were happy with the way the service was managed. Comments included, “I think they (the service) is well managed.” And “I think they genuinely care for people.”