AQS Homecare Sussex

Not everyone who used the service received personal care. The Care Quality Commission (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.

People's experience of using this service and what we found: People received a responsive service which was tailored to meet their needs. Staff delivered person-centred care which enhanced people's quality of life. Healthcare professionals praised the service's responsive nature and spoke highly of how staff empowered people to remain living at home. There was a flexible approach towards people's changing needs and preferences. Staff recognised the importance of combatting social isolation alongside supporting some people to care for their pets who provided companionship and company.

The service was well-led. Robust systems to monitor and assess the service provided helped the registered manager to identify where improvements were needed, and these were addressed quickly. People were asked for their views about the service and these demonstrated a high level of satisfaction relating to the service they received. Staff were extremely passionate about providing high quality care to people.

People and relatives told us how the care workers and other staff working in the service were caring and respectful. People were provided with a caring and compassionate service. People's rights to independence, privacy and dignity were promoted and respected. People's choices about the service were valued and used to plan their care.

Risks to people were assessed and mitigated. Support was provided to enable people to live safely in the community. Where people required assistance with their medicines, there were systems to provide this service safely. People's care visits were completed as planned. Recruitment of care workers was done safely. Care workers were trained in infection control and the appropriate equipment was provided to reduce risks of cross infection. There were systems to learn from incidents and use the learning to drive improvement.

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. Where people required support with their dietary needs, this was provided. Where required, people were supported to maintain good health. The service worked well with other professionals involved in people's care.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk