DK Home Support

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, wellbeing and communication needs with them. People’s needs were assessed before care started and reviewed regularly. Records showed assessments were comprehensive and included input from health professionals where needed. Care plans included detailed risk assessments for mobility, nutrition and skin integrity, and were updated promptly following changes. People and relatives confirmed they were involved in care planning and kept informed of changes. A person said, “[Manager] sat down with me and my family and discussed what I needed.”

The provider delivered care and treatment in line with current legislation, standards and evidence-based guidance. Records showed referrals to GPs and other professionals were made when needed. Care plans were reviewed regularly and adapted to reflect best practice. The provider assessed and met people’s nutritional needs. People were in control of what they ate and drank. Staff encouraged people to enjoy a healthy balanced diet but also respected their choices and decisions in relation to food and drinks. Relatives confirmed staff understood their loved ones’ needs and responded promptly to changes. A person told us, “Carers coming in has improved my quality of life. It has enabled me to stay at home.”

The provider engaged proactively with key stakeholders and attended partnership forums as confirmed by health professionals. The service promoted collaborative working through regular communication, shared goals and multidisciplinary meetings. Staff were trained in the importance of teamwork and effective communication to deliver effective care and support. People told us carers were consistent and familiar, which gave them confidence. A relative said, “Carers and office staff are very responsive. Everything runs smoothly and they work well together.”

The provider supported people to maintain and improve their health and wellbeing. Staff monitored health and wellbeing through regular reviews, observations and engagement with healthcare professionals. Records showed staff promoted healthier living and escalated concerns when needed. People were encouraged to make choices about meals and daily routines. People told us care staff helped them stay independent and supported them to go out when possible. A relative said, “Carers suggested [Person] could go out in their wheelchair. [Person] now loves it.”

The provider monitored outcomes for people and used this information to improve care. Care plans and audits showed outcomes were tracked and reviewed regularly. Health professionals reported no concerns about the quality of care. The service demonstrated learning from incidents and complaints, with changes reflected in care plans. People and relatives confirmed care plans were updated when needs changed. A person told us, “They (staff) came this week and discussed increasing the care so I can get out.”

The provider made sure people were asked for their consent before care and treatment was given. Staff understood and followed the Mental Capacity Act. Capacity assessments and best-interest decisions were documented where needed. Where people lacked capacity, decisions were made in partnership with relatives and professionals. People confirmed staff asked for consent before providing personal care. A person said, “Carers ask me what I want and they do what I want. I am satisfied.”