Home Instead

The service had safeguarding and whistleblowing policies and procedures in place and staff had a clear understanding of these procedures. Appropriate recruitment checks had taken place before staff started work and there were enough staff available to meet people's care and support needs. People's medicines were managed safely. Risks to people had been assessed to ensure their needs were safely met. The service had procedures in place to reduce the risk of infections.

People's care and support needs were assessed before they started to use the service. Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to support people appropriately. Staff were supported through induction, training and regular supervision. People were supported to maintain a healthy balanced diet and had access to health care professionals when they needed them. 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.

The provider had achieved positive outcomes for some people when they had been discharged from hospital. A relative told us after a month of support from the agency their loved one's health had dramatically improved and they hadn't looked back since. The service supported people to avoid social isolation and to take part in activities that were relevant to them. People and their relatives (where appropriate) had been consulted about their care and support needs. The service had a complaints procedure in place. There were procedures in place to make sure people had access to end of life care and support if it was required.

The registered manager had worked in partnership with health and social care providers to plan and deliver an effective service. The provider took people and their relatives views into account through satisfaction surveys. Staff enjoyed working at the service and said they received good support from the registered manager.

Rating at last inspection The last rating for this service was Good (published 10 January 2017).