Archived: Adex Care Office Base

We considered our inspection findings to answer questions we always ask;

This is a summary of what we found: '

Is the service safe?

One of the people supported by Adex Care confirmed that staff always maintained their dignity when providing personal care. They also told us staff respected the fact it was their home.

Staff had a good understanding of how to support people in a way that was respectful and maintained their privacy. Information about how to ensure people's choices were respected had been recorded within their care plan.

Systems were in place for ensuring a person's home was safe and secure before staff left. Records showed and one of the people supported confirmed, that staff had always carried out safety checks before leaving.

Staff had an understanding of safeguarding adults and their role in reporting any potential incidents. Moving and handling equipment had been checked and staff had received training in how to use this safely.

Is the service effective?

People told us that they had been happy with the care and support provided by Adex Care. They told us staff had listened to what they wanted and acted accordingly. Care plans and risk assessments were up to date and provided guidance to staff on the support the person required.

Staff were experienced in supporting people and had undertaken training in basic areas of care. They were aware of the actions they should take if an emergency arose. Discussions with staff showed that they understood people's support needs and how to meet these safely and in a way the person preferred.

Systems were in place for ensuring staff arrived at the person's home on time and stayed the length of time expected. The manager confirmed that if staff were unable to carry out an arranged visit then alternative arrangements would be made.

Is the service caring?

A relative and one of the people supported by the agency told us that they liked and trusted staff who supported them. They told us staff had been friendly, but "Always professional'. They also told us that staff spent time talking with them and ensuring they had a choice in every aspect of their care.

Daily records showed that staff had provided the support the person needed as identified within their care plan. Staff had a good knowledge of people's choices and support needs and how to meet these in the way the person preferred.

Is the service responsive?

One of the people using the service told us that staff had always responded positively to their requests and support needs. They told us staff took care when looking after their home and when providing personal care or meals.

Care records showed that staff had taken appropriate action to respond to any issues relating to the persons health. In discussions with staff they displayed a clear understanding of the need to support people to be as independent as possible whilst recognising days or times when the person may require more support.

Is the service well-led?

Care records were up-to-date and had been reviewed to ensure the information was accurate. Staff had access to care plans and risk assessments and had a good knowledge of the contents and how to follow them when supporting people to remain safe.

Staff had undertaken training relevant to their work. However this had not all been documented within staff files. It was therefore not possible to carry out a full audit of training undertaken by staff. This would be useful when planning future training.

A number of systems were in place to check the quality of the service provided. This included an audit of care plans and a system for checking staff had arrived on time.

People using the service and their relatives had been consulted about their opinion of the service provided. In addition the manager had worked alongside staff providing an opportunity for him to supervise and monitor their work.