Rhythmic Care UK Ltd

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 as Good. This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

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.

The provider had a proactive and positive culture of safety, based on openness and honesty. Staff listened to concerns about safety and investigated and reported safety events. Lessons were learnt to continually identify and embed good practice.

People and their family’s felt the service listened to their concerns and told us that they were transparent as well as responsive to their issues. For example, a relative told us, “I am completely satisfied with the service provided. “The staff commitment to resolving issues quickly and efficiently has resulted in a positive and seamless relationship for us. I have no concerns with how the service delivers care and support to my [Person].”

The provider implemented a system to log accidents and incidents, which allowed senior staff to analyse those events for patterns and causes. This approach helped develop strategies to reduce risks and raised safety standards.

Findings from these analyses were shared with staff, promoting continuous learning and helping to improve better practices. Regular feedback sessions supported a culture of openness and accountability by discussing lessons learned and implementing changes promptly. For example, one staff told us, “Yes, lessons are learned from accidents and incidents and shared with me and the staff team at Rhythmic Care. All incidents are recorded, reviewed, and discussed to identify what happened and how similar situations can be prevented in the future.”

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety was managed or monitored. They made sure there was continuity of care, including when people moved between different services.

The registered manager told us that the service had implemented a robust procedure to collect essential information in people’s pre-assessment phase. For example, completed assessments showed that the service could offer safe support to individuals. This method allowed the team to consider each person’s needs and safety requirements before they began receiving support from the service. The information also demonstrated that the people and their family were fully involved with the process.

Following the completion of initial assessments, the management team undertook the task of developing comprehensive care plans and risk assessments for each person. These documents were tailored to meet the person’s needs, preferences, and potential risks.

Staff reported that the management team arranged meetings with them to review and discuss the support requirements of each person. During these sessions, staff were encouraged to ask questions and were provided with the opportunity to read both the care plans and risk assessments, ensuring they were fully informed and prepared to deliver personalised care.

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve that. 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 and their family members told us they received safeguarding information before support from the service began. One relative shared, “We were given details on safeguarding and instructed to report any concerns if they arose. We also got a list of phone numbers to call in case we had any issues or worries.”

The provider has developed systems and processes within the service to safeguard people from the risk of abuse or neglect. This included having policies and procedures in place that clearly outline the steps for identifying, reporting, and responding to any concerns relating to abuse.

During our review of the provider’s safeguarding system, we observed that the provider had submitted safeguarding referrals to the local authority. This indicated that the provider actively monitored and addressed safeguarding concerns by following the appropriate procedures for reporting issues to the relevant local services.

Management was able to demonstrates awareness of their safeguarding duties by conducting spot checks. These checks helped to confirm that care delivery was consistent with care plans and risk assessments, thereby ensuring staff provided safe and appropriate support.

The service undertook regular audits and reviews of its safeguarding practices. This ongoing evaluation enabled the identification and prompt action of any gaps or areas requiring improvement. The registered manager told us that they have recently reviewed their audit forms and process to help ensure that it met with statutory requirements and sector best practice.

Staff confirmed they received safeguarding training both during their initial induction and as part of their ongoing professional development. This continuous training approach kept staff informed about safeguarding policies and procedures, thereby helping to maintain a safe environment for everyone.

Staff were clear on the actions they needed to take to keep people safe. For example, one member of staff said, “I would ensure the individual is safe and protected from further harm, and if there is immediate danger, I would contact emergency services straight away. I would then report the concern without delay to my line manager or safeguarding lead, following the organisation’s safeguarding procedure, understanding that it is my responsibility to report concerns and not to investigate them myself.”

The provider worked with people to understand and manage risks by thinking holistically. Staff provided care to meet people’s needs that was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them.

The provider implemented a person-centred, proactive, and inclusive system to manage risks. This involved actively engaging people and their families in the process, ensuring that everyone was involved in decision-making through regular reviews. Such participation contributed not only to reducing incidents but also to enabling people to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives. Examples of risks addressed included those related to falls, trip hazards, and activities within the community.

One person said, “My carers communicate any new risks to me so that we can discuss appropriate actions to ensure my safety.” A family member told us, “The manager always includes us in reviewing risk assessments and provides copies. We are also able to give ideas on how risks can be managed.”

Once risk assessments were carried out, the results informed the creation of detailed care plans. These plans outlined clear strategies and support measures to manage the identified risks, tailored to the individual's needs and daily routines. By taking into account personal preferences and medical histories, the approach ensured a holistic focus on both safety and wellbeing. Regular reviews kept care plans up to date, with adjustments made whenever circumstances changed or new information was obtained.

Staff members consistently reported their active involvement in the risk assessment process. A staff member explained, participation occurred during staff meetings and supervisions, where they were asked to support with people’s' risk assessments. Staff also kept managers informed of any changes to a person's risks, ensuring that records and information were regularly updated. One staff told us, “We update risk assessments when needed. This helps improve the quality and safety of care to [people] we support.” Another staff told us, “Updates are shared via handovers, team communications, and supervision to support improved practice. Changes to risk assessments and care plans are clearly communicated to all staff.”

The provider detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care.

Leaders carried out thorough evaluations of people's living environments during the initial assessment process. The main objective of these evaluations was to identify any potential hazards and apply appropriate strategies to minimise risks. By doing so, they ensured that the environment remained safe for everyone involved. These proactive steps contributed to the creation of a secure setting, enabling staff to provide care confidently and supporting the overall wellbeing of those receiving support. For example, environment assessments covered areas such as, the kitchen, living room, bathroom, and bedroom. By focusing on these specific areas, the assessments provided a comprehensive understanding of the environmental conditions present in each space.

People confirmed that they were actively engaged in the risk assessment process, which helped to ensure the safety for them and staff members attending the care visit. Their participation was valued and recognised as an important aspect of maintaining a safe environment.

The provider made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs.

The provider followed internal processes to ensure that staff recruitment protocols, were followed correctly and ensured that all necessary procedures were completed before new employees commenced their roles. This process included comprehensive pre-employment screening, which formed an essential part of safeguarding practices.

Staff personnel records contained fully completed application forms, along with crucial identification documents such as passports or driving licences. In addition, references, health assessments, and criminal background checks were consistently included, confirming the thoroughness of the recruitment process.

The provider ensured that all staff members employed were appropriately qualified, skilled, and experienced. A commitment to staff support was evident through effective supervision and the provision of opportunities for professional development. This approach fostered a collaborative environment, placing emphasis on delivering safe, personalised care. For example, the registered manager told us that they have supported staff to develop skills that has enabled them to take up a more senior role within the organisation. “The registered manager stated, “By focusing on developing staff skills, we have been able to promote a team member from a carer position to a senior role. We are committed to continuing staff development, as it supports the growth of the organisation and helps to ensure that our staff share our values and vision.”

Staff received comprehensive training across several key areas, equipping them to offer effective support while maintaining robust safety standards. Training topics included adult safeguarding, infection prevention, risk assessment, and strategies to assist individuals in managing anxiety. This extensive preparation enabled staff to uphold the organisation’s high standards of care and safety. Staff comments included, “We have regular training in many different areas that helps us to deliver good quality of care.” Another staff member said, “I am given regular training opportunities at Rhythmic Care, including both face-to-face and online training sessions. The training is delivered well and has helped my development.”

The provider assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly.

People and relatives confirmed that the provider had carried out the necessary checks. In addition, there was a supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) which had been left at their home for staff to use.” One person said. Staff have access to gloves and aprons, that is at my house.” A relative told us, “Staff always uses PPE when they carry out personal care.”

Staff were provided with hand gels and protective clothing, including aprons and gloves, and were diligent in wearing these items at appropriate times. The provider also established clear procedures for staff to follow in the event of an infection outbreak, ensuring a prompt and organised response. Regular training sessions on infection control were delivered to keep staff updated with the latest best practices.

One member of staff reported, “I follow infection control protocols, including hygiene, PPE, cleaning, isolation, and waste disposal. This practise helps keep everyone safe.”

The provider carried out infection control audits to monitor and evaluate staff performance. These audits included spot checks in people’s homes to ensure compliance with infection prevention and control measures. Staff were observed adhering to established protocols, which supported the consistent implementation of safe practices in daily routines. This oversight contributed significantly to the safety and wellbeing of those using the service.

The provider made sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences. Staff involved people in planning, including when changes happened.

As part of the assessment, we reviewed people’s Medicines Administration Records (MAR) records. The records reviewed were found to be completed correctly by staff, with all entries appropriately documented.

Regular audits were conducted to ensure that all practices related to the handling, administration, and storage of medicines adhered to the relevant guidelines and standards. We saw that whenever the audits identified any concerns or issues, these were addressed by the provider. The staff involved were informed of the findings, and appropriate actions were put in place to resolve the concerns and prevent recurrence.

Staff were assessed by senior staff to ensure they were competent to give medicines safely. This process was essential to ensure that all staff demonstrated the necessary competence and understanding of the relevant procedures associated with medicines administration.

Staff showed a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities in relation to the STOMP initiative -Stopping Over Medication of People with a Learning Disability and Autistic People.They recognised the importance of prescribing medicines only when necessary and were committed to conducting regular reviews. This approach supported the wellbeing of individuals affected by the initiative and ensured responsible medication management.

One member of staff told us, ‘‘In Rhythmic care we have a separate department who make sure that care workers follow the care plan and MAR chart for each [Person] to understand the level of support needed, whether it is full [medicine] administration or prompting/reminding. During the initial assessment, our assessment team identify the person’s [medicine] needs, risks, and preferences, and ensure staff are trained and competent to support people safely.”