Helping Hands Highbury & Islington

Staff received suitable training and regular supervision. Senior staff checked staff during spot checks to help ensure staff provided safe and effective care Staff supported people to live a healthy life and have a suitable diet. Care staff and managers worked with external health professionals when people's health needs had changed, or their health suddenly deteriorated.

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 and relatives spoke fondly about the staff who supported people. They described staff as kind, considerate and always willing to go an extra mile. People told us that staff protected their privacy and dignity when supporting them.

Staff understood how to encourage people's independence. They also told us about the importance of building positive relationships with people regardless of their condition, personal background and ways people chose to live their life.

Complaints were dealt with promptly and with consideration to people's and relatives needs and expectations.

People and their relatives, staff and external professionals all thought the service was well managed. The management team was approachable, supportive and taking prompt action when shortfalls in the care and the service provided were identified. There were effective monitoring systems in place to ensure the service was run effectively, safely and the lessons were learnt when things went wrong.