Helping Hands Leeds

People's experience of using the service: People were observed to have good relationships with staff. We visited people in their own homes and they told us staff understood their needs and provided them with care and support.

People told us they felt well cared for by staff who treated them with respect and dignity. People told us they were listened to and were involved in their care, and what they did on a day to day basis. People's right to privacy was maintained by the actions and care given by staff members.

Not all staff were trained to support people at the end of their life. Action was taken during the inspection to ensure all staff were booked on training.

The management of medicines was safe. The manager took immediate action where signatures had been missed on people's records.

There were enough skilled and experienced staff to meet the needs of people who used the service. Recruitment checks were completed on new staff to ensure they were suitable to support people who used the service. A comprehensive induction and training programme was completed by all staff.

Risks to people were assessed and records contained clear guidance for staff to follow. Staff knew how to respond to possible harm and how to reduce risks to people.

People were safe and protected from avoidable harm as staff knew how to recognise and respond to concerns of ill-treatment and abuse. Lessons were learnt about accidents and incidents and these were shared with staff members to ensure changes were made to staff practice or the environment, to reduce the risk of further occurrences.

The provider followed effective infection prevention and control guidance when supporting people in their own homes. The equipment that people used was maintained and kept in safe working order. The provider completed safety checks with people at their home addresses.

A detailed assessment was carried out to assess people's needs and preferences prior to them receiving a service. People's personal and health care needs were met and detailed care records guided staff in how to do this. Where staff noted a concern they quickly involved healthcare professionals.

Where required, people were supported to have sufficient food to eat and drink and their health needs were

regularly monitored. Staff followed the advice health care professionals gave them.

Staff understood their responsibilities in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005. People told us they were involved in making every day decisions and choices about how they wanted to live their lives.

A complaints system was in place and there was information so people knew who to speak with if they had concerns.

The provider had embedded quality assurance systems to monitor the quality and safety of the care provided. People and relatives were asked for their views and their suggestions were used to improve the service.

More information is in the full report below.