Somerset Care Community Services (Wiltshire)

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.

People's risks had been identified and risk management plans were in place to support people safely. Staff had reviewed them regularly and updated plans when people's needs changed. People had their own care plan which was personalised and detailed. There was guidance in place for staff to know what people's likes, dislikes and preferences were.

People were supported by sufficient numbers of staff. Due to short notice sickness or other staffing challenges there were times when staff levels were impacted. There was a team of office staff available to visit people where needed and a risk management system was in place. People's needs were reviewed, and calls rated to make sure vulnerable people got their essential visits. The registered manager was trying different ways to recruit new staff and had experienced some success. Staff had been recruited safely.

Staff had supplies of personal protective equipment and had been trained on how to use it safely. Staff had also received training on a range of topics such as moving and handling, safeguarding and medicines management. Refreshers were provided when needed and staff had observations and assessments carried out for competence.

New staff received an induction and given support to learn their role. All staff had regular supervisions and an annual appraisal to discuss training and development needs.

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.

Staff carried out assessments for a range of areas and updated information regularly. People had life history information recorded which helped staff understand people's needs and preferences. Staff worked with

local healthcare professionals when needed and made timely referrals.

Systems were in place to make sure there was good communication amongst the staff. Staff told us they thought there was good teamwork and they were supported by managers.

Quality monitoring systems were in place to help identify any improvement. The provider had good oversight of the service and carried out regular checks of key areas such as accidents, incidents and safeguarding. There was a registered manager in place who was supported by a team of managers and senior workers. People and staff told us they felt able to raise concerns and knew how to do this.