HomeTouch Care Ltd

The second model of care was a service fully managed by HomeTouch Care Ltd and was regulated by the CQC. At the time of our visit there were 54 people receiving a regulated service, which means they were receiving support with personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided.

Care records were personalised and set out people's needs and how they liked to be supported, as well people's history and what was important to them.

Recruitment practices were safe and relevant checks had been completed before staff worked at the service. The service employed experienced staff for the live-in care role. Staff received initial training in key areas before beginning working with people. People received their medicines safely by suitably trained staff.

Staff underwent regular supervision and checks of the service they were providing. They understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the importance of gaining consent from people. We found there were some gaps in mental capacity assessments, but these were addressed by the service at the time of writing this report.

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 and relatives told us that the service was well managed. The registered manager had oversight of staff performance. People and relatives knew how to raise concerns and complaints about the service. The managers dealt with received complaints promptly.

Since the last inspection the service had grown significantly. The management team were in the process of improving their quality assurance systems to ensure that the service provided was of good quality across all geographic areas they covered.

The management team were aware of their regulatory responsibilities, and had notified CQC and other stakeholders appropriately.

The service sought feedback about the service from people, relatives, staff and external professionals. Feedback from surveys as well as information gathered from quality audits complaints, accidents and incidents and safeguarding concerns, was used to introduce changes and improve the service provided.