We carried out a review of the data available to us about HomeLife Carers (Barnstaple) 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 HomeLife Carers (Barnstaple), you can give feedback on this service.
Homelife Carers (Barnstaple) is a domiciliary care service, supporting adults in the community who require assistance with personal care. This included people living with dementia, physical disabilities, mental health needs and sensory impairments. Not everyone who used the service received personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided. At the time of our inspection there were 148 people using the service.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
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.
People felt safe and supported by staff in their homes. Comments included, “They (staff) are all lovely ladies, they are very warm and caring. They are all very helpful and always ask what I need doing” and, “Oh yes, definitely. He is in bed all the time and they (staff) make sure he feels safe in bed. They are excellent.”
Staff demonstrated an understanding of what might constitute abuse and knew how to report any concerns they might have. People’s individual risks were identified, and risk assessment reviews were carried out to identify ways to keep people safe. Medicines were managed safely. Effective infection control measures were in place.
People confirmed that staffing arrangements met their needs. They were generally happy with staff timekeeping and confirmed they always stayed the allotted time. Staffing arrangements matched the support commissioned and people were matched with staff who had the skills to meet their individual needs. Where a person’s needs increased or decreased, staffing was adjusted accordingly.
There were effective staff recruitment and selection processes in place to keep people safe. People received effective care and support from staff who were well trained and competent.
Care files were personalised to reflect people’s personal preferences. Their views and suggestions were taken into account to improve the service.
People were supported to maintain a balanced diet. Health and social care professionals were regularly involved in people’s care to ensure they received the care and treatment which was right for them.
Staff relationships with people were caring and supportive. Staff provided care that was kind and compassionate. People commented: “I think generally the people I have seen are exceptionally caring and attentive. On the whole dad is very lucky with the carers he has”, “Yes, they are very kind and I look forward to their visits” and, “Yes, they joke with him and are cheerful. You can feel their hearts are in their jobs.”
Staff spoke positively about communication and how the manager worked well with them and encouraged their professional development.
A number of methods were used to assess the quality and safety of the service people received. The service made continuous improvements in response to their findings.
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 18 October 2019 and this is their first inspection.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.