Helping Hands Fareham

Recruitment practices were safe and there were sufficient numbers of consistent staff available to meet people's needs. People received their medicines as prescribed. The service's arrangements for controlling infection were effective.

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.

Staff received effective training that gave them the skills to support people with their needs. All people and relatives spoken with were confident in the staff's abilities and thought staff had the right skills to look after them. New staff completed a comprehensive induction to their role prior to commencing employment and ongoing training and supervision was provided.

People were supported to access health and social care professionals if needed. The registered manager and office staff worked in close partnership with health and social care professionals and agencies to plan and deliver care and support. People were supported to meet their nutritional and medication needs where appropriate

People were positive about all aspects of the service and told us staff supported them in a kind and caring way. Staff treated people with dignity and respect. People were treated equally and had their human rights and diversity respected. People were encouraged and supported to remain independent.

Care plans were personalised, and ensured people received personal care tailored to meet their individual needs and wishes. People were encouraged to make decisions about the care and support they received and had their choices respected. People were confident that if they raised any issues, concerns or complaints these would be dealt with effectively by the registered manager.

The staff and management team were mindful of the risk of social isolation for people living in the community. People were supported by staff to attend social events that were important to them. Full

consideration had been given to people's communication needs to help ensure effective communication.

The registered manager was open and transparent and understood their regulatory responsibilities. People and their relatives felt the registered manager and staff were approachable and supportive. There were effective governance systems in place to identify concerns in the service and drive improvement. They were responsive to feedback from people, staff and professionals and acted to make improvements in the service. The service worked well with other partners, organisations and commissioners.