Gem Homecare Ltd

An assessment has been undertaken of a specialist service that is registered for use by autistic people or people with a learning disability. At the time of the assessment, the service was not used by anyone with a learning disability or an autistic person. However, we assessed the care provision under Right Support, Right Care, Right Culture, as it is registered as a specialist service for this population group.

There were systems in place to protect people from harm, including how medicines were managed. Staff were trained in how to recognise and respond to abuse and understood their responsibility to report any concerns to the management team. Safe recruitment processes were followed, and appropriate checks had been undertaken, which made sure only suitable staff were employed to care for people. Robust procedures were in place to ensure care visits were not missed.

People's needs were assessed and met by trained and supervised staff. Staff spoke highly about the training and support provided. They told us they felt valued and supported both to provide high quality care and with their own development.

People received care and support from regular staff they knew well and with whom they shared trusting and positive relationships. People were supported to remain healthy and access healthcare services when required. Care plans reflected people's needs. They were constantly updated and adapted as people's needs changed. People were supported to give their views about the quality of the care provided to help drive up standards.

Staff maintained people's dignity when providing personal care and were respectful to people and their homes. People chose what they ate, and staff supported people to eat and drink in line with their assessments.

The provider met the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) to help ensure people's rights were protected. People were supported to make decisions about their care and to be as independent as possible.

Quality assurance processes were robust. Policies and procedures were in place to guide staff on how to keep people safe and what they had to do if they had concerns. The registered manager, supported by other key senior staff, could monitor standards of care delivery with a range of checks and audits. Staff were aware of the company’s mission statement and strived to ensure that people using the service had a voice.