JW Homecare is registered to provide personal care to people living in their own homes. People who use the service are provided with a range of hours of support per day or per week in line with their assessed needs. The office base is located in Skelmersdale. At our last inspection in November 2015 the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of Good. There was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.
JW Homecare had systems in place to record safeguarding concerns, accidents and incidents and take necessary action as required. Staff had received safeguarding training and understood their responsibilities to report unsafe care or abusive practices.
Staff responsible for assisting people with their medicines had received training to ensure they had the competency and skills required.
Risk assessments had been developed to minimise the potential risk of harm to people during the delivery of their care. These had been kept under review and were relevant to the care provided.
People who received support in their own homes or a supported living house and their relatives told us they felt safe in the care of JW Homecare staff. A relative said, “It does comfort me knowing [relative] is so well cared for.” In addition, we saw good systems to manage, review and learn lessons from accidents and incidents within the service.
People living in supported housing and in the community, were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice. We found the management team had obtained each person’s consent to care, or their representatives where this was applicable.
Where applicable, we saw care plans evidenced staff worked with people to develop a healthy lifestyle. They were supported with their cooking skills by helping to make meals of their choice.
Care plan information focused on a person-centred method of supporting people. In addition, information contained what support was required to maintain their independence within their own home and in supported living houses.
During the inspection visit to supported living houses we observed staff being kind and attentive to people in their care. They were caring, patient and respectful. Comments we received confirmed that.
People supported by the service told us they were treated with respect and by caring staff. Comments received included, “The people who come and look after me are truly wonderful. Nothing is too much trouble and if they have to stay a little longer that is never a problem.”
Staff spoken with and records seen confirmed a structured training and development programme was in place. Staff received regular training and were knowledgeable about their roles and responsibilities. They had the skills, knowledge and experience required to support people with their care and social needs.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.