Bluebird Care Mendip

People were supported by a service that was extremely well led and a management team that was passionate about providing high-quality person-centred care for people living in the community. There was an emphasis on including and empowering people to maintain control over their lives and to lead decisions about their care package. Care plans were outcome focused and looked at what people wanted to achieve.

Bluebird Care (Mendip) went over and above what was expected of a community care provider. They had looked at ways of reducing social isolation for people without it having a financial impact on them. For example, they had arranged trips out, parties, musical entertainment and a book club. Staff had taken part in fundraising events in their own time, to ensure the activities provided were fully funded. This had had a positive impact on some people's lives. Where possible the service ensured people and care staff were matched to support people in continuing with personal interests and hobbies.

The management team worked closely with other organisations to improve the experience of people receiving care and support in their own homes. This had led to the service providing a health and wellbeing check on behalf of medical professionals and a toe nail cutting service following feedback from people.

People told us they felt safe and looked forward to the visits they had from care staff. One person said, "I look forward to them [care staff] coming they are like my family."

People received effective care and support from staff who were exceptionally well trained. The provider and registered manager promoted social care as a career and supported staff to progress in care to become social workers or qualitied nurses.

Staff morale was very high, and this was reflected in the high standard of care provided. Staff were listened to and their opinions were valued. People said that all the staff they met were, "Professional," "Caring" and "Well trained."

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.

There were quality assurance systems which monitored standards and ensured any shortfalls were addressed. People and care staff felt listened to and said they could speak with a member of the management team at any time. Any complaints made were fully investigated and treated as learning to enable the service to improve.