About the serviceStar Care UK Limited is a service providing personal care to people in their own homes. The service supports older people, most of whom required support to rehabilitate to live independently often after a stay in hospital. 190 people were in receipt of care at the time of the inspection.
Not everyone who used the service received personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also consider any wider social care provided.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
Although people received medicines safely we made a recommendation regarding the way staff record medicines. The provider assessed risks to people, including those relating to medicines, and took action to reduce the risks. Staff followed best practice in relation to infection control. The provider checked staff were suitable to work with people during recruitment. There were enough staff to support people safely and people received care at the agreed times.
Staff received regular supervision to support them in their roles. Staff received an induction and training to understand people’s needs and the provider was reviewing the training provided. People received the support they needed to maintain their day to day health and in relation to eating and drinking. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People described staff positively, as kind, caring and professional. Staff treated people with dignity and respect and encouraged them to maintain their independence. People were involved in their care and also in developing their care plans. People’s care was personalised to meet their needs and preferences. People’s communication needs were met. The provider responded to complaints appropriately.
Two experienced registered managers were in post who were also directors of the company. People, relatives and staff told us the service was well-led and they were suitably engaged with. The provider oversaw the service with a system of checks and audits to ensure high standards were maintained. The provider followed their action plan to improve the service since our last inspection.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was requires improvement (report published July 2018).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our inspection programme. If any concerning information is received, we may inspect sooner.