Bluebird Care - South Somerset

The service was effective in meeting people's needs. Staff received the training they needed to meet people's care and support needs and were regularly supervised. They worked in small geographical areas and were overseen by a supervisor. The supervisors maintained regular contact with people and ensured they continued to receive the service they needed. The staff ensured people had access to the healthcare support they needed and had introduced an initiative called Health Assist – an assessment where vital signs were recorded when well, so that signs of illness were identified quicker. Examples of health care services Bluebird Care worked in partnership with included the GPs, district nurses, speech and language therapists (SALT) and other allied healthcare professionals. The service had been pro-active in researching alternative services because of the withdrawal of a pharmacy service and this would have impacted greatly on people's care. People were supported with eating and drinking where this was identified as a need in their care plan.

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. The service was meeting the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (2005).

The service continues to be caring and each person received person-centred care based upon their own specific needs. People were overwhelmingly positive about the service they received from Bluebird Care South Somerset. They were treated with respect and dignity. The service had introduced a new initiative since the last inspection – Bluebird Treat. The service aimed to deliver one treat per month – this could be a

range of things for example a special trip somewhere, a meal out or a social event. All staff we spoke with demonstrated great kindness and spoke respectfully about the people they supported. They told us they were proud to work for Bluebird Care.

The service continues to be responsive to people's health and social needs. People received person centred care and support. Their care plans were regularly reviewed, and care delivery was adjusted to take account of changes in care needs and health status. Referrals were made to health and social care professionals and other agencies as appropriate. When people were at the end of their life the service provided well trained compassionate care staff to look after people them and to support family. The service would work in partnership with family and healthcare professionals to achieve this.

Care planning systems were innovative and used the PASS System. Via the use of technology, the care plans could be updated and amended in 'real time' and the information relayed to the staff team immediately. This meant the staff team always were supplied with the correct information and could deliver the right care.

The service had responded to feedback from people regarding additional services that would make their lives better. A toe nail cutting service and a home hairdressing service had been implemented. The service had looked at ways they could address loneliness in rural communities, had organised Christmas lunch for 30 in a local pub and supported other services with Community Grants. People and their families were encouraged to make their views known about all aspects of the service and were listened to, the service making changes where appropriate.

The service continues to be well led. There had been a change in registered manager since the last inspection, They, the provider and the senior staff team provided good leadership for the staff team. There was a clear focus on continually seeking to improve the service people received.

The service used a range of methods to ensure the quality and safety of the service was maintained to a high standard. Where shortfalls were identified they were acted upon. The service had been recognised as an outstanding domiciliary care provider in a recent ceremony where they had picked up a bronze award.