We carried out a review of the data available to us about Mortimer Homecare Limited on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Mortimer Homecare Limited, you can give feedback on this service.
Mortimer Homecare Limited is a domiciliary care agency based in Leominster, Herefordshire. It specialises in providing care and support to older people and younger adults who may have physical disabilities, sensory impairments or are living with dementia. At the time of our inspection, there were 41 people using the service.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
The provider had not consistently obtained employment references for prospective staff, to check their suitability, before allowing them to work in people’s homes under supervision. Staff understood how to identify and report potential abuse involving people who used the service. The risks associated with people’s individual care needs had been assessed, reviewed and plans were in place to manage these. People received a consistent and reliable service from the provider. The registered manager reviewed reports of any accidents or incidents involving people to learn from these. Staff used personal protective equipment to protect people from the risk of infections.
People’s individual needs and requirements were assessed with them before their care started and kept under review. Staff received training and ongoing management support to ensure they worked safely and effectively. New staff received induction training to help them settle into their new roles. People had the support they needed from staff to prepare their meals and drinks. Staff and management worked with a range of community health and social care professionals to ensure people’s health and care needs were met. 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 approached their work with kindness and compassion. People and their relatives were encouraged to express their opinions about the care provided. Staff understood the importance of promoting equality and diversity through their work. People were treated with dignity and respect at all times.
People’s care and support was based upon their individual needs and requirements. People’s care plans were individual to them and followed by staff. People and their relatives understood how to raise any concerns or complaints with the provider, and had confidence these would be listened to. People’s wishes and choices about their end of life care were explored with them, to ensure these were addressed at the appropriate time.
The management team promoted an open and inclusive culture within the service. People found management easy to contact and helpful. Staff were well-supported by a management team who were prepared to listen and act. The provider had quality assurance systems and procedures in place to enable them to monitor and make improvements in the quality of people’s care.
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was good (published 28 February 2017).
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.
Mortimer Homecare Limited is registered to provide personal care to people living in their own homes. There were 18 people using the service on the day of our inspection.
The service is required to have a registered manager and had one in post at the time of our inspection. 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 protected from harm and abuse by staff who understood how to recognise and report safeguarding concerns. The provider assessed the risks related to people’s care and support needs and implemented plans to reduce these. People were involved in decisions about risks that affected them. They received a consistent service from staff whose suitability had been assessed by the provider. People received safe support and assistance from staff with their medicines where they needed this.
People were supported by staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to meet their needs. The provider assessed people’s dietary and nutritional requirements and any help they required with meal preparation. Staff played a positive role in helping people to maintain their health and access healthcare services.
Staff supported people with kindness, compassion and a willingness to go the extra mile. The provider encouraged and supported people to share their views and be involved in decision-making about their care. Staff treated people with dignity and respect.
People received care and support that was tailored to their individual needs and preferences. Staff understood the need to follow people’s care plans. People and their relatives knew how to raise a complaint with the provider, and were comfortable doing so. The provider had implemented procedures to ensure all complaints and concerns were dealt with properly.
The provider promoted a positive and inclusive culture within the service. People and their relatives had a positive relationship with the management team. Staff benefited from clear leadership and direction, and knew what was expected of them. The provider used quality assurance checks and audits to drive improvement in the service.