Caremark (Weymouth & West Dorset)

Not everyone using Caremark (Weymouth & West Dorset) receives regulated activity; CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with 'personal care'; help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also consider any wider social care provided. At the time of this inspection, 56 people were receiving personal care from the service.

However, we found improvements were needed in the management of people's medicines and some risk assessments were not person centred and lacked specific guidance for staff to follow. Also risks associated with providing care and support to people in their own homes had not been assessed or recorded. We have made recommendations in relation to medicines and risk management.

Quality assurance and governance systems were in place to assess, monitor, and improve the quality and safety of the services provided. However, we found the systems in place had not identified the issues we found at this inspection. We have recommended the provider undertakes a review of the effectiveness of the systems and processes in place.

Other risks were well managed. Risks had been identified in relation to people's care needs such as mobility and action had been taken to minimise these.

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.

People's privacy and dignity was respected, and their independence promoted. They had access to healthcare professionals when required and were supported to maintain a balanced healthy diet.

People were protected from potential abuse by staff who had received training and were confident in raising concerns. There was a thorough recruitment process in place that checked potential staff were safe to work with people who may be vulnerable by their circumstances.

People had confidence in the registered manager and told us the service was well managed. There was an open culture where people, relatives and staff were encouraged to provide feedback. Staff felt they received a good level of support and could contribute to the running of the service.