Home Instead

At our last inspection in October 2016, we rated the service 'good'. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of 'good' and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and on-going monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

Why the service is rated 'good'.

People told us they felt safe using the service. Care workers understood about protecting people from the risk of abuse and had undertaken training on safeguarding. Improvement had been made to how people's medicines were managed. This ensured better recording was in place to provide clearer audit trails. Risks to people's safety had been assessed and the service had action plans in place where risks were identified, to mitigate the likelihood of injury or harm.

There were enough staff to support people. They had been recruited using robust procedures. Staff told us they received good support and training. They could access managers when they needed advice or came across emergency situations.

People were supported with their healthcare and nutritional needs, to help keep them healthy and well. We have made a recommendation about the recording of meal and snack provision.

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 spoke positively about their care workers. Managers checked care worker practice by carrying out unannounced visits to people's homes whilst they received support (with their permission). This included checking to see people's cultural values and beliefs were respected and that staff offered choice and treated people with dignity. People could provide feedback about their care during reviews and through quality assurance surveys.

People's needs had been assessed before they received support. Care plans were then produced which outlined the support they required. These were kept under review and updated as necessary. Care workers and managers were responsive to people's changing needs and worked with health and social care professionals to promote their well-being. People's complaints were responded to appropriately.

There were clear visions and values at the service. Staff described an open and transparent culture and said they would be confident in raising any concerns about people's care.

The provider looked at ways of continual improvement for the service. Audits and surveys were carried out to check the quality of people's care.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found