Libra Care Services

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.

Staff had a good awareness of the specific risks people faced and how to manage these without being restrictive. People's risk assessments gave staff clear guidance on how to manage their health conditions.

The service had a recruitment and selection process that helped ensure only prospective staff with the required skills and good character were employed to support people.

People's capacity to consent to decisions about their care and support had been assessed. Where required, the service undertook mental capacity assessments and best interest decisions in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People's care plans were person-centred and included detailed personal histories, their abilities, goals and preferred methods of communication. Plans were regularly reviewed to ensure they reflected people's current and emerging needs.

People and their relatives said they enjoyed visits from the staff. They felt staff had a good understanding of their needs and supported and encouraged them to remain as independent as possible. People and relatives felt all staff were very kind, caring and treated them with dignity.

People were confident staff were well trained and knew how to support them. People were encouraged to make decisions and express their views about the care and support they received by staff who were attentive and familiar to them.

The service had robust quality assurance procedures which included various audits and regular staff competency checks. This helped ensure the quality of care was maintained and any issues were identified and resolved promptly.

People's, relative's and staff member's views were sought in satisfaction surveys and used to influence the direction of the service. Feedback was unanimously positive. Compliments were shared with staff which helped motivate them. Staff told us they got on well with their colleagues and that they felt proud to work for Libra Care Services.

The registered manager was praised by all stakeholders. Staff told us, the registered manager was very supportive, approachable and a good listener. Staff well-being was prioritised. People and relatives considered the service well-led and organised.

The service had established and maintained positive working relationships with other agencies including district nurses and GP surgeries.