About the service: This service is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own houses and flats. It provides a service to 105 older adults. Not everyone using Home Instead received the regulated activity of personal care. CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with ‘personal care’; help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also take into account any wider social care provided. People’s experience of using this service:
People consistently described the service as being exceptionally caring, and able to meet their needs in a personalised and thoughtful way. Consistency with rota's enabled people and staff to develop working relationships which were meaningful. The registered provider looked at creative ways to meet people’s needs.
People felt safe with the staff supporting them. Systems were in place to ensure people’s safety and enough staff had been recruited to ensure people received a reliable service. Recruitment processes were thorough. People were supported to take their medicines safely.
Staff had a thorough understanding of people's needs. An induction was provided and staff could access a range of training which provided them with the level of skills and knowledge needed, to deliver safe care.
The registered manager looked at ways person-centred care could be provided, which met people’s needs, wishes, preferences. Staff supported people to meet their nutritional and health care needs. Risk assessments were in place. These looked at a range of areas, but needed to be more detailed for people who were at risk of choking. We have made a recommendation about supporting people to eat in a safe way.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
Some staff had been trained in end of life care and understood the specific requirements to meet the needs of people at the end of their life. We have made a recommendation about end of life care.
People and their relatives told us they were actively encouraged to share their views and provide feedback about the service. A robust audit system was in place. The registered provider worked in partnership with other organisations and took part in several good practice initiatives, designed to further develop the service.
This service met the characteristics of Good; more information is in the full report
Rating at last inspection: This service was last rated Good. (1 September 2016)
Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we visit again in line with our inspection programme and scheduling. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.