The Care Quality Commission

Archived: Edgbaston/Northfield Home Care Service

Northfield & Edgbaston Home Care, Lifford House Fordhouse Lane, Birmingham, West Midlands, B30 3BW (0121) 303 5795

Provided and run by:
Birmingham City Council

All Inspections

13 February 2013

During an inspection looking at part of the service

We contacted eight people who used the service and all of the people we spoke with were complimentary about the service they received.

People's views and experiences were taken into account in the way the service was provided and delivered in relation to their care. People told us they were asked about: what assistance they needed and the best way that this could be arranged. People said that care staff came when they expected and were respectful and helpful.

People experienced care, treatment and support that met their needs and protected their rights.

People who use the service were protected from the risk of abuse, because the provider had taken reasonable steps to identify the possibility of abuse and prevent abuse from happening. People told us they felt very safe when carers were assisting them.

People were cared for by care staff who were supported to deliver care and checks were made to ensure that this care was to an appropriate standard.

The provider had an effective system to regularly assess and monitor the quality of service that people receive. This included surveys of people for their opinions about the enablement service they had received.

6, 8 March 2012

During a routine inspection

The structure of the personal care service provided by Birmingham City Council had changed. The service now focused on providing short term enablement care. Enablement care means people were being helped on a time limited basis to regain skills and abilities to become as independent as they could. People that required long term support with personal care were being assisted to get services from other providers. Some people with complex personal care needs continued to receive a service from Edgbaston / Northfield Home Care Service.

We visited the offices of this service on 6 and 8 March 2012. We spoke to one person who received a service, two relatives and five care workers. We looked at 12 completed surveys. These surveys contained the views of some people who had received the enablement service in February and March 2012. We looked at people's care records. We looked at records the service provider kept such as complaint logs.

People we spoke to said the care workers were: "friendly and helpful." "From the top to the care workers they deserve a medal." "They are very good."

The completed surveys and the few complaints the service received indicated that the majority of people were very satisfied with the service they received.