During an assessment under our new approach
Good Oaks Homecare East Dorset is a domiciliary care agency that provides personal care to older adults living in their own homes. At the time of our inspection 23 people were receiving the service. 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.
This assessment reviewed the quality statements under all key questions safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led and included a site visit on the 2 February 2026. Off site assessment activity took place between 28 January 2026 and 10 February 2026.
The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety was managed or monitored. Staff including management reported any concerns without delay and shared with other agencies appropriately for external scrutiny when needed.
The provider made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. However, the provider did not always follow their own recruitment policy and procedures. We received feedback from people and their relatives confirming people's rights were respected in practice. However, we found the documentation around mental capacity assessments and best interest decisions did not always follow the principles of the Mental Capacity Act to ensure people’s human rights were upheld. We raised this with the provider who took prompt action to address this.
The service made sure people’s care and treatment was effective by assessing and regularly reviewing their health, care, wellbeing and communication needs with them. The provider supported people to manage their own health and wellbeing and to maximise their independence, choice and control.
The service provided information about their services in a format people could understand. People knew how to raise any concerns or give feedback on care provided and were confident the service took it seriously and acted on it.
If people needed referrals to other healthcare professionals, this was recognised by staff and people were supported to do this.
All leaders were open and responsive throughout the inspection process. When we identified some areas for improvement, the provider acted immediately to address any shortfalls.