Absolute Care Services

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

Based on the findings of this assessment we found no issues. This meant people remained safe and protected from avoidable harm. Staff understood how to safeguard people. People were cared for and supported by staff who knew how to manage risks they might face. Staff were usually punctual for their scheduled calls and appropriately trained and supported. Staffs’ suitability and fitness to work in adult social care was also thoroughly assessed. Medicines systems were still well-organised, and people received their prescribed medicines as and when they should. Staff continued to follow current best practice guidelines regarding the prevention and control of infection including, those associated with COVID-19.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

We did not look at Learning culture during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

We did not look at Safe systems, pathways and transitions during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

People told us they felt safe with the staff who supported them at home with their personal care. A person said, “I do feel safe with my regular carers.”

Managers and staff protected people from abuse. Staff received safeguarding adults training as part of their induction which managers and staff confirmed was routinely refreshed. Staff knew how to recognise and report abuse and were able to articulate how they would spot signs if people were at risk of abuse or harm. A member of staff told us, “I have been taught the different types of abuse and the signs/symptoms and what to do if I suspect someone is being abused. My colleagues are very approachable and have helped me when I have reported concerns in the past and always feedback to me what action they have taken in response.” Another added, “If I were to witness or suspect any occurrence of abuse or neglect, I would immediately report it to my supervisor and line manager.” Staff were routinely reminded about their safeguarding roles and responsibilities at individual or group team meetings with their line managers and fellow co-workers. The office-based managers and staff understood they had a duty of care to immediately refer any safeguarding incidents or concerns to external agencies and bodies including, the relevant local authority, the CQC, and where necessary, the police.

Robust systems and processes were in place to protect people from the risk of abuse. The provider had clear safeguarding and staff speak up policies and procedures in place which were kept up to date and were in line with relevant legislation. These policies and procedures were also easily accessible to all staff electronically via their handheld devices they had all been supplied with. Managers worked well with external agencies including, local authorities, the CQC and police where necessary, and acted in a timely way to ensure people were safeguarded and protected from further risk.

People told us care staff knew how to support them in a safe way that helped prevent and/or minimise the risks they might face.

Care staff were aware of people's daily routines, preferences and needs, and knew what action to take to reduce or safely manage risks people they supported might face. A member of staff told us, “I am well aware of the risks people I support might face, such as falls and pressure sores, and I know how to manage them. We are trained to identify risk factors, take preventative measures, and follow protocols to minimise these risks, ensuring the safety and comfort of the people we care for.”

People's care plans contained up to date risk assessments and management plans that ensured staff had access to all the relevant information and guidance they needed to know about how to prevent or appropriately manage risks people might face. They included risks associated with people’s home environment, infection control, prescribed medicines, falls, food and nutrition, dementia, and pressure sores. These risk assessments and management plans were regularly reviewed and updated as people's needs changed.

We did not look at Safe environments during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

People told us staff who supported them at home never missed their scheduled call visits, were usually on time, and would always let them know if they were running late. People also said staff always stayed and completed all the tasks they were supposed to carry out in an unrushed manner in accordance with their agreed package of care and risk management plan. A relative told us, “They [staff] turn up on time. They are sometimes a little late because of traffic, but they always let us know.” Another relative added, “A few months ago there was some problems with the timing of our carers, but it was sorted out straight away when I told the managers in the office.” Furthermore, people told us they received continuity of care from a regular group of staff who were familiar with their personal care needs, preferences and daily routines. A relative said, “We receive continuity of care for my [family member]. We have 2 stable carers who have built up a common bond with her. Another relative added, “Our carers are professional and know what my [family member] needs and likes.” People were also positive about staff's knowledge and skills and said they were always kind and friendly. A relative told us, “The staff know exactly what they are doing and seem to be well-trained and professional.”

Staff told us their scheduled call visits were well-managed, with enough travel time between visits due to coordinated planning. One staff member said, "Calls are organised so carers are assigned to clients in close proximity, allowing us to spend the appropriate time with each person without feeling rushed." Staff appreciated regularly supporting the same group of clients, which helped build strong relationships. They also highlighted that their training was regularly refreshed to keep skills up to date. One said, "I receive all the training I need and refresher courses to ensure I meet clients' needs." Staff had opportunities to reflect on their practice through regular supervision, group meetings, and annual appraisals. A staff member shared, "These sessions help me reflect on my work, get feedback, and discuss areas where I need support."

The provider followed current best practice guidelines regarding the prevention and control of infection including, those associated with COVID-19. The provider had an up to date infection prevention and control policy in place.

People told us staff who provided their care and support always wore appropriate personal protective equipment [PPE]. A person said, “Things have improved over the last year and my carer now follows infection control and hygiene procedures.” A relative added, “Our carers always wear gloves and washes their hands. I don’t have any concerns in that area.”

Managers and staff told us they had received up to date infection control and food hygiene training. A member of staff said, “We are constantly reminded by the managers that we must always wear protective personal equipment [PPE] when we provide people with any personal care. We have enough PPE, and this can be obtained from the office.” The registered manager also told us they had ample stocks of PPE which they kept in their offices, which care staff could easily access as and when required. We observed staff visit the providers offices during our assessment to collect PPE stored there.

The provider followed current best practice guidelines regarding the prevention and control of infection including, those associated with COVID-19. The provider had an up-to-date infection prevention and control policy in place.

People who received assistance from staff to help them manage their medicines told us staff always ensured they took their prescribed medicines as and when they should.

Staff were clear about their roles and responsibilities in relation to the safe management of medicines. Staff received medicines training as part of their induction and their competency to continue managing medicines safely was assessed by managers at least annually or more frequently if required. The registered manager told us 2 members of staff who had mismanaged people's prescribed medicines had been immediately suspended following these medicines handling errors and had not been permitted to manage any medicines again until their competency to do so safely had been re-assessed by their line manager.

Medicines systems were well-organised, and people received their medicines as and when they should. People’s care plans included detailed information about their prescribed medicines and how they needed and preferred them to be administered. The provider operated an electronic medicines system. Electronic medicines administration record [eMAR] sheets ensured the office-based managers were automatically notified about the occurrence of any medicines handling errors in real-time which enabled them to take immediate action to address such incidents. We found no recording errors or omissions on any eMAR sheets we looked at during this assessment. Staff received safe management of medicines training and their competency was routinely assessed and refreshed.