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Azure Care

Overall: Outstanding read more about inspection ratings

The Joinery Workshop, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TZ (01634) 968300

Provided and run by:
Azure Care Ltd

Report from 5 September 2025 assessment

Ratings

  • Overall

    Outstanding

  • Safe

    Good

  • Effective

    Outstanding

  • Caring

    Outstanding

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Well-led

    Good

Our view of the service

Date of Assessment: 15 September to 20 October 2025. Azure Care Ltd is a domiciliary care agency providing personal care to people living in their own homes, including those with complex health needs, learning disabilities, autism, dementia, and physical disabilities. At the time of inspection 45people were receiving care and support from the agency. 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.

A registered manager was in place. The registered managerwasregistered with the Commissionandwaslegally responsibleforensuringthe servicewascompliant with legal and regulatory requirements.

People received outstanding, person-centred care that was tailored to their individual preferences, routines, and cultural values. Staff demonstrated compassion, attentiveness, and professionalism, consistently promoting dignity, independence, and emotional wellbeing. The service was proactive in identifying risks and responding swiftly to concerns, including safeguarding alerts, nutritional needs, and environmental safety. For example, timely referrals to occupational therapy and fire safety services led to measurable improvements in people’s safety and quality of life.

Care plans were detailed and regularly reviewed, reflecting people’s evolving needs and preferences. Staff were well-trained, with access to specialist dementia training and resources to support meaningful engagement. The service demonstrated a strong learning culture, using audits, supervision, and feedback to drive continuous improvement. Innovative practices, such as the development of an AI-based care monitoring app, further exemplified the provider’s commitment to excellence.

The service met the principles of “Right support, right care, right culture” through its inclusive, respectful, and empowering approach to supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people. Communication plans were highly personalised, enabling non-verbal individuals to participate fully in their care.

Complaints were minimal and handled effectively, with clear evidence of lessons learned. Compliments from people using the service, relatives, and professionals were frequent and heartfelt, describing Azure Care as “a silver lining” and “superstars.”

The provider was a finalist in multiple categories at the National Care Awards and the Great British Care Awards, reflecting sector-wide recognition of its outstanding service.

People's experience of this service

People told us and relatives confirmed that they felt safe and well supported by staff at Azure Care. Many described staff as reliable, respectful, and attentive to their needs. People consistently reported that staff arrived on time, wore appropriate protective equipment, and provided care in a way that made them feel secure. Several people highlighted the continuity of care and the benefit of having regular carers who understood their preferences and routines.

People said they were involved in their care planning and reviews, with a member of the management team conducting regular assessments and making adjustments where needed. Relatives confirmed that care plans were personalised and responsive to changing needs. People who managed their own medications felt supported, while others appreciated staff’s attentiveness in prompting or administering medicines safely.

Staff were described as caring and respectful, with many going “above and beyond” to support people’s wellbeing. People valued the rapport they had built with carers and noted that staff were discreet and sensitive when providing personal care. Several people shared examples of staff encouraging independence, such as supporting them to walk short distances or prepare meals.

Communication was praised, with people reporting that staff listened to concerns and responded promptly. Some people received newsletters and surveys, and others confirmed that their relatives were kept informed.

Relatives and people using the service spoke positively about the leadership, describing the manager and office staff as approachable and responsive. People appreciated the flexibility of the service, especially in emergencies or when additional support was needed. The service was described as well organised, with carers and office staff working together to ensure continuity and quality of care.