Caremark Lewes and Wealden North

This was the first assessment of a newly registered service. We did not find any concerns or ongoing risk at this assessment.

People were supported by trained and experienced staff. People were safe and protected from avoidable harm. Accidents, incidents and safeguarding concerns were reported and recorded correctly. Staff knew how to raise concerns either directly to the registered manager or to CQC and the local authority if needed. Environmental and other risks to people were identified and recorded. Documentation was in place to inform staff how to prevent and minimise the recurrence of risks occurring. Staff knew people well and were aware of individual risks to people. People’s mental capacity was considered and where there were issues, decision specific capacity assessments were in place. People continued to receive a lot of support from their loved ones. Infection prevention control and medicine administration were managed well.

A thorough pre-assessment of people’s care and support needs took place before the service agreed to begin supporting people. People’s needs were regularly reviewed and updated following incidents or significant changes. The service had solid relationships with other professionals which resulted in all round positive support for people. Most people were independent with their nutrition and hydration needs or were supported by family members, but staff stepped in to support where needed. Most people supported lived with dementia and staff knew the most appropriate approach to take when gaining consent from people to carry out a task or activity.

People were supported by a kind, compassionate team of staff who knew the importance of protecting people’s dignity when providing care. People were treated as individuals and their independence was promoted with staff always mindful of safety. Staff responded to people’s immediate health and social care needs. Staff told us they were able to achieve a positive work life balance, and their wellbeing was important to the registered manager.

Care was person centred in delivery and endorsed in care plans. People were at the centre of decision making and their views always considered. Communication between people and the service worked well and people were given rotas weekly. People were confident to use the complaints process if needed and told us that the registered manager always responded to concerns quickly. People were afforded access to all the support they needed both regarding their health needs and their social and cultural needs.

The registered manager was quite new in post but experienced as a manager. Their vision for the future of the service centred on providing the best support for people and their staff. Staff spoke well of the registered manager telling us they were approachable and available. They also told us they could raise issues and concerns and they would be listened to and acted on. Robust auditing processes were in place overseen and actioned by the registered manager. Staff told us of a service that respected people’s differences and supported different cultures and backgrounds.