Blossom Home Care Harrogate & Ripon

Care records were person-centred. However, identified risks, particularly around health conditions, did not always have an associated risk assessment in place. There was not always clear detail throughout care records of how a risk might impact the person or how staff could help reduce those risks to people. Quality monitoring and auditing was not sufficiently robust and had not identified the concerns found during the inspection, or ensured appropriate action was taken to update the records.

Staff worked closely with other agencies to ensure people’s needs were met. Staff received the induction, training and support they needed to carry out their roles effectively. Medicines were administered safely. However, some records relating to creams and as required medicines needed to be more detailed.

People’s needs were assessed prior to them starting to use the service. People’s health conditions were documented, and people were supported to access a range of health care professionals. Spot checks and competencies were in place to ensure staff were providing the care and support people needed. People’s capacity to consent was identified, documented and respected.

Managers and staff respected people’s preferences and choices and treated them as individuals and with respect and dignity. There were systems in place for staff awards and good practice recognition. Staff involved people in decisions about their care and told them what had changed as a result. This included surveys, reviews and spot checks.

The provider and registered manager demonstrated a commitment to providing people with person centred care and support. Following staff requests, the provider had introduced new methods for staff to raise concerns or ideas confidentially. The provider and registered manager were open and honest and responded immediately to any issues. There was a positive approach towards learning and ongoing development of the service.

The provider was in breach of the legal regulations relating to safe care and treatment and governance. We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this inspection.