We carried out a review of the data available to us about Swan Care and Support - Colchester on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Swan Care and Support - Colchester, you can give feedback on this service.
Swan Care and Support – Colchester is a domiciliary care agency. The service provides a range of services to both younger and older adults’ enabling them to remain as independent as possible whilst living in their own home.
The service supported some people with long term care needs but specialised in providing short term care. The management team had worked in collaboration with local commissioning groups and hospitals to establish various pathways of care aimed at preventing prolonged or unnecessary hospital admissions by supporting people to remain living independently in their own homes. Staff supported people for a few of days or up to six weeks, depending on their needs. This meant the number of people using the service changed on a daily basis.
Not everyone using the service received a regulated activity. CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with '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
The service was dynamic and extremely innovative in their approach to care. This meant people received exceptional, individualised care and support that was responsive to their needs. The delivery of care was flexible and empowered people to make choices about how and where they received their care. We were told of occasions where the service had gone above and beyond what was expected of them. Professionals who worked closely with the service praised the service for its person-centred approach and the exceptional results it achieved for people.
People had confidence in the staff and felt safe in their care. Safeguarding practices were in place to protect from the risk of abuse. Staff took appropriate infection control measures and medicines were managed safely. There was an open and transparent culture in relation to accidents and incidents and appropriate action was taken to learn and lessen risks.
Staff were well supported by the provider and received enhanced training to develop the skills and knowledge required to meet people’s needs. Where appropriate staff supported people at meal times and encouraged them to remain hydrated during the day. Staff provided holistic care and had developed exceptional relationships with local health and social care professionals which ensured people’s health and well-being were prioritised.
People, relatives and professionals consistently described staff and the service as caring and kind. Staff knew people well and were committed to providing high-quality care. We heard examples of the positive impact the service had on peoples live by enabling them to remain in their homes and improve their independence. Everyone we spoke with told us they would happily recommend the service to others.
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.
The service responded to concerns or complaints and people and relatives were given the opportunity to feedback their experiences.
Staff felt valued and well supported by the registered manager and the provider. There was an open and transparent culture which empowered people and staff to voice their opinions and focused on continuous improvement.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk.
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 30/11/2018 and this is the first inspection.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.