Caremark (Oldham)

The service had a good learning culture, and people were generally supported to receive care that was safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. Leaders and staff worked together to identify risks, respond to concerns and learn from incidents. Managers investigated issues promptly and used learning to improve care, reduce repeat incidents and strengthen staff practice.

People were kept safe. Staff recognised risks and took appropriate action to protect people from avoidable harm, including during changes in need, hospital discharge or periods of increased vulnerability. Safeguarding processes were understood and followed, and concerns were shared appropriately with relevant agencies. Environmental risks in people’s homes were identified and managed, and infection prevention and control practices helped reduce the risk of infection.

People’s care assessments reflected their needs and were reviewed when circumstances changed. Care was delivered in line with current guidance and good practice, and staff worked with health and social care professionals to support people’s wellbeing. Medicines were managed safely, and learning from medicines related incidents was used to improve practice.

People were treated with kindness, dignity and respect. Staff knew people well, treated them as individuals and supported independence, choice and control wherever possible. People were involved in decisions about their care and felt listened to. Staff responded promptly when people’s needs changed or when immediate support was required.

The service was well organised and responsive. Care was coordinated to support continuity, and people were kept informed about their care. Feedback and complaints were welcomed, taken seriously and used to improve the service. Leaders worked to promote equitable access and outcomes, making reasonable adjustments where needed to support people fairly.

The service was consistently managed and well-led. Leaders were visible, approachable and supportive. Governance systems provided oversight of quality, risk and performance, and information was used to drive improvement. Staff were supported through supervision and training, and their wellbeing was promoted to help sustain good quality care.

We have assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.