Direct Care (Kent)

People were supported by a core staff team that enabled them to form good professional relationships. People we spoke to, and evidence reviewed, supported people had care from regular staff.

Risks to health and safety of people were appropriately assessed. Plans and guidance were in place for staff to mitigate these. Peoples medicines were managed in safe ways and there were clear policies in place to ensure this continued.

The registered managers had completed comprehensive background checks of staff before they started work with a fully supported induction process to ensure staff were confident to support people. Staff received appropriate training and received regular supervisions and appraisals. The registered managers completed unannounced supervisions to ensure care staff were working to their standards.

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.

People's care plans were detailed and person centred. Care plans were regularly reviewed throughout the year and were reviewed if changes in peoples needs were identified.

There was a clear management structure in place at the service and people and staff we spoke with were able to tell us the processes for raising concerns or complaints. Feedback about the registered managers was that they were approachable, fair and reactive to things raised to them.