Archived: Equicare Services Ltd

At the time of the inspection the service was supporting 15 people. We used a number of different methods to help us understand the experiences of people using the service, because people using the service had complex needs which meant most were not able to tell us their experiences. We spoke with relatives of four people receiving care, five care staff, one person receiving care and reviewed care plans of people receiving care.

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary describes what the people using the service, their relatives and staff told us and the records we looked at.

If you want to see evidence that supports our summary please read the full report.

This is a summary of what we found:

Is the service safe?

Care was planned and delivered in a way that ensured people were safe. Care records contained risk assessments which provided guidance to staff on action to take to keep people safe. Health and safety checks and audits had been carried out to reduce any risk to people. Safeguarding procedures were in place and staff had received safeguarding training and were aware of action to take in response to safeguarding incidents or allegations. Appropriate checks including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks were carried out to make sure people using the service were safe and their health and welfare needs were met by staff who were fit, appropriately skilled and competent to carry out their role and meet people's needs.

Is the service effective?

Feedback from relatives and evidence from people's care records indicated that the service was effective and responsive to the needs of people. People's care needs had been fully assessed with the help of their relatives. Their likes and dislikes were documented and staff we spoke with were aware of these. Care plans had been prepared and these were up to date and had been regularly reviewed.

Is the service caring?

Relatives told us that staff were caring and that their relatives was well looked after. People's preferences, interests, and aspirations had been recorded and relatives confirmed care and support had been provided in accordance with their wishes. A relative told us, 'They do everything according to care plan.' This meant care was planned and delivered in line with people's individual needs.

Is the service responsive?

Feedback from relatives, staff and the manager indicated that the service was responsive to the needs of people. For example, support was increased or reduced according to the people's needs and preferences. A relative told us that the service had also responded positively in ensuring that they got the same staff to support their relative.

Is the service well-led?

The service had a registered manager who was knowledgeable regarding her role and responsibilities. There were arrangements for monitoring the quality of care provided. Regular audits on health and safety and other aspects of care were carried out. The provider conducted telephone monitoring and spot checks.