Active Homecare

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

Safe – this means we looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm.

At our last assessment we rated this key question Good. At this assessment the rating has remained Good. This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

There were robust systems in place to make sure people were kept safe from avoidable harm. People were informed about any identified risks and were supported to stay safe. Staffing levels were sufficient to fully meet people’s needs and staff were matched to people ensuring excellent relationships between people and staff. Staff received training that was appropriate and relevant to their role and was specific to the people they were supporting. Staff received support, supervision and appraisals.

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.

We did not look at Learning culture during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Safe systems, pathways and transitions during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

Staff concentrated on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. The provider shared concerns quickly and appropriately. People told us they were kept safe from avoidable harm. One person told us, “The carers are absolutely wonderful and treat me with great respect. I feel very safe with them and have no worries.” People and relatives felt the staff provided safe care. One relative said, “The staff are exceptional. They come up with new ideas to help [family member] live safer. I can’t imagine [family member] being able to stay at home without them.”

Staff understood how to recognise the signs of abuse and could describe the actions they would take to safeguard people including informing other agencies if they were concerned about action being taken. A staff member told us, “I have completed regular training and understand the signs a person may show if they are being abused. If I had any concerns about anyone, I would escalate the matter with 1 of the managers.”

The provider had suitable adult safeguarding systems and procedures in place. The management team maintained and monitored records of concerns to help ensure these were responded to effectively and learnt from. We saw safeguarding training was considered essential by the provider and all staff completed this and regular refresher courses. The training records and discussions with staff confirmed this. The provider reported safeguarding concerns as required to the relevant agencies.

Staff provided care to meet people’s needs that was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them. One person said, “The staff talk to me about how to stay safe from falling.” A relative informed us, “The managers know the risks to [family member] and we discuss ideas about the best solutions.”

Staff told us they were able to keep people as safe as possible and that the risk assessments in place were a good guide to help keep people safe. One staff member commented, “We have risk assessments in pace and our managers act on any risk straight away.” We are updated when there are any changes.” All staff we spoke with told us they felt they could confidently support people safely, and that the risk assessments accurately reflected people’s needs, and the way they should be supported.

The service had effective systems in place to help people understand and manage risk. Staff advised people how to keep safe and any areas of concern were discussed with them and recorded in their care plans. Risks to people were assessed and monitored and risk assessments were incorporated into people’s care plans. These included areas that were important to them, such as their individual health and daily living. People’s care plans and risk assessments were regularly reviewed and updated as their needs changed. Staff completed a range of training to help them provide care safely, such as moving and handling, health and safety, food hygiene and basic life support. Staff recorded accidents and incidents. These were analysed and audited on a regular basis, so any trends could be identified, and action could be taken to help prevent recurrences. All these measures contributed to the safe management of risk within the service.

We did not look at Safe environments during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

The provider made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. One person said, “The staff are extremely reliable. They are excellent. Always on time and exceptionally good.” A relative told us “My [family member] had carers before from another agency and the difference is like chalk and cheese. These carers are outstanding in everything they do.”

People felt that staffing at weekends was also consistent and there were always enough staff to support them. One person told us, “There is no change at weekends. It’s the same brilliant service.” We were told by people that they had a regular team of staff who knew them very well and it was important for them to have that consistency. One person commented, “I have the same small team of staff which is wonderful. If there are any new staff, they always come with experienced staff and don’t provide care until they are competent and if I’m happy.” Another commented, “I have the same carers all the time. If I am going to have a new one, they are introduced to me first.”

 

Records provided evidence that staff had regular 1-1 supervisions and annual appraisals. Staff’s performance was monitored and managed well. Safe recruitment practices were followed for staff working with children and adults. Checks were carried out including references and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). These checks help employers to make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable staff being employed.
 

We did not look at Infection prevention and control during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Medicines optimisation during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.