Archived: Derbyshire Homecare Limited

Derbyshire Homecare Limited is registered to provide personal care and support for people living within their own homes. At the time of our inspection there were six people using the service. People’s packages of care varied dependent upon their needs. The provider employed eight members of staff who provided people’s care and support.

The service had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People were supported in their own homes, and representatives of people using the service told us they believed people were safe and comfortable and were happy with the service being provided. Systems were in place to ensure that people who used the service were protected from the risk of abuse. The registered manager and staff had received training in safeguarding adults from abuse and were aware of the procedures to follow if they suspected that someone was at risk of harm.

People were supported by a small and consistent team of staff who had supported them for many years, and whom they felt confident with. Staff had very good knowledge and insight into the needs of the people they cared for and spoke passionately about the support they provided and about the professional working relationship that had developed over many years.

People, and in some instances family members were involved in the developing and reviewing of care plans, which had been signed by them. In addition people had been provided with information about the service, which included a contract with the provider that they had signed.

People were offered support in a way that upheld their dignity and promoted their independence. Care plans were written in a personalised way based on the needs of the person concerned to ensure the staff had information on people’s preferences so that the care and support provided maintained people’s independence and promoted their choices.

Staff were trained and supported people with their medicine as required. People were supported where required, to access external healthcare professionals and other agencies in order to ensure their healthcare needs were fully met.

Systems were in place to ensure that people were supported by staff that were of good character and able to carry out the work. Staff received on-going training, and met with the registered manager to discuss their work and talk about the health and welfare of those they supported.

A formal quality assurance and audit system was not in place; however the size of the service meant the registered manager was able to maintain a good oversight of the service. We found records to be in good order with regards to people using the service and the staff employed.

Staff, along with representatives of people using the service spoke positively about the registered manager and their management of the service.

People we spoke with were very satisfied with the service and their care workers. People told us that care workers were reliable and competent and that care workers knew what support was required. We were told that care workers treated people with dignity and respect. People were comfortable allowing care workers into their homes.

We looked at the records of three people who used the service and found that care had been planned and delivered in a way that promoted people's health and welfare.

We found that care workers had been appropriately screened to ensure they were suitable to work with vulnerable adults. Care workers we spoke with demonstrated a good understanding of the needs of people who used the service and were positive about their role. The service employed enough care workers to be able to consistently meet the needs of people who used the service.

There was an effective and appropriate quality assurance system in place and records were accurate, up to date and fit for purpose.

People told us they were happy with the care they received and had been involved in planning and reviewing their care plan. One person told us 'they make changes and let me know. If I ask for changes they are always happy to help'. People told us they had a good relationship with care workers and were kept informed of any changes. We were told staff arrived on time and stayed for the agreed time period. If their regular care worker could not attend they were informed in advance. People told us 'they are never late'.' If someone is on holiday (the provider) lets me know. I always know who is coming in'.

People told us they felt safe receiving care and had never seen anything of concern. Everyone felt they could raise a concern with the provider and it would be dealt with. People felt that staff were well trained and used equipment correctly and safely. People felt they had the opportunity to feedback their opinions of the service and could raise an issue. One person told us 'I had a problem and I spoke to (the provider). I know she spoke to people and the problem was ok.'