Bluebird Care (Cheltenham, Gloucester & Tewkesbury)

Staff worked hard to meet people's complex needs in the community and worked creatively with partner agencies to enable people to remain living at home. We heard many examples of how skilled staff supported people with complex needs at home, who would otherwise have required residential care. Staff had set high standards for themselves and this promoted an exceptionally person-centred service tailored to people's individual needs.

People and their relatives spoke of the positive support, guidance and healthcare interventions people had received. They were full of praise for the staff in terms of their kindness and compassion. People were 'very happy' with the service they received. We received positive comments about their views and experiences.

People told us they felt safe because the staff were kind, caring and compassionate, and had an excellent understanding of the needs of the people they supported. People and their families viewed the staff as experts in their knowledge and skills when supporting people with complex health needs. Risks to people's health and wellbeing had been assessed and plans had been developed to minimise risks to people.

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.

The registered manager and extended leadership team offered strong leadership and had a clear vision about the direction of the service. They were committed to improving people's lives and ensuring people could live in their own home for as long as possible. The management team were an integral part of the overall care team at Bluebird Care. The registered manager worked closely with partner agencies and services to promote best practice within the service and make a positive impact to people's lives.

There was an effective quality assurance system in place to ensure people received the best possible service. The registered managers had developed a strong leadership team within the service to ensure the high standards implemented were sustained in their absence. The service benefitted from a positive culture which challenged perceptions, improved the confidence of people and had a positive impact on the lives of the people using the service.