During an assessment under our new approach
About the service
Home First - Cannock is a domiciliary care agency providing personal care, to adults in their own homes in the community. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) only inspects where people receive personal care. There were 11 people receiving personal care at the time of the inspection.
Who the service is for
Home First – Cannock supports older people and younger adults. They provide a short-term recovery and reablement service. People on the recovery pathway typically received support for up to 12 weeks. People on the reablement pathway usually received up to 6 weeks support, following a hospital stay or other events, with the aim of supporting them to regain their independence.
Key findings
We carried out this assessment from 14 September 2026 to 28 September 2026. This service was previously rated as good. We carried out this assessment to confirm whether the rating of good remains accurate. This report does not provide detailed information on areas where we found practice continues to meet a good standard. Instead, our findings focus on any areas where the service needs to improve or where we found exceptional practice.
The service demonstrated people were protected from avoidable harm. The provider had robust systems and processes in place to identify, report and respond to incidents and concerns. Managers and staff demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of safeguarding procedures and their responsibilities to recognise, escalate and act on concerns promptly. This helped to ensure people were protected from the risk of harm. One staff member told us, “We have training in safeguarding and videos of scenarios to look out for, we regularly receive safeguarding training, and feel concerns escalated straight away.”
Robust systems were in place to identify, assess and mitigate risks to people’s safety and wellbeing. Staff demonstrated a clear understanding of how to support people safely. Sufficient staffing levels were maintained, environmental risks were managed appropriately, and medicines were administered through safe and effective systems.
The provider had effective systems in place to assess, monitor and respond to people’s changing needs, ensuring staff had timely access to up-to-date information. As a rehabilitation service, people were supported following a hospital stay or other event to work towards assessed goals. This helped maximise their independence and remain safe in their own homes. Care was delivered in line with people’s needs and outcomes, with regular reviews used to monitor progress and adapt support to achieve the best possible outcomes for people. Although the provider was not currently supporting people who lacked capacity, they had systems in place to ensure staff understood their responsibilities in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Staff had received training and were able to explain how they needed to support a person who lacked capacity in their best interests.
People were supported by staff who treated them with kindness, compassion and respect. Staff knew people well, understood what mattered to them and took time to build positive, trusting relationships. People’s privacy, dignity and individuality were consistently promoted, and their views, wishes and preferences were listened to and respected. Staff encouraged people to be actively involved in decisions about their care, ensuring they had choice, control and influence over their daily lives. In line with the service’s rehabilitative approach, people were supported to maintain and regain their independence. Staff provided encouragement and reassurance to help them achieve their personal goals and maximise their wellbeing.
People received responsive, person-centred rehabilitation and support tailored to their individual needs. One staff member told us, “Our role is helping people remain independent and recover at home as much as they can for themselves, work with them, work towards their goals, ensure they receive compassionate and person-centred care.” Care plans were regularly reviewed and adapted to reflect people’s progress and changing circumstances. Staff supported people to regain independence and achieve outcomes that mattered to them following discharge from hospital or other events. Where people were unable to remain at home following rehabilitation, suitable alternative care provision was identified to meet their assessed needs. People were involved in decisions about their care, and the provider responded to diverse needs to promote equitable access, experiences and outcomes.
The service was well led. A staff member told us, “I feel supported by my line manager, I know I can speak up, I am listened to and receive guidance when needed.” Leaders promoted a clear and shared vision focused on supporting people to recover, regain independence and achieve positive outcomes following discharge from hospital or other events. Robust governance and management systems provided effective oversight of quality, safety and performance, while outcome monitoring and audit processes drove continuous improvement. An open culture of learning and innovation supported service sustainability and helped ensure people received high-quality rehabilitation support that met their needs and goals.