First inspection of Helping Hands Bath, a domiciliary care agency supporting 17 people, rated Good overall and across all five key questions. The service demonstrated safe, person-centred care, effective governance, well-supported staff and a positive open culture, with only minor areas such as end-of-life care detail noted for development.
Concerns (3)
minor
End-of-life care
: “People had been asked about their end of life care preferences and these were documented in support plans. In the plans we reviewed, these were not detailed”
minorStaff training: “One relative noted that carrying out training in the person's home for specific tasks (e.g. moving and handling) would be helpful.”
minorStaffing levels: “Most people preferred to be supported by staff they knew, and managers tried to provide regular staff where possible. This was not always possible because of sickness or absence”
Strengths
· People were safeguarded from the risk of abuse and felt safe with staff
· Personalised, regularly reviewed support plans reflecting people's needs and preferences
· Safe medicines management with monthly audits, competency checks and unannounced spot checks
· Robust recruitment practices with criminal and employment checks
· Staff received training, supervision and informal support; felt valued and well supported
Quality-Statement breakdown (25)
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseGood
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and managementGood
safe: Staffing and recruitmentGood
safe: Using medicines safelyGood
safe: Preventing and controlling infectionGood
safe: Learning lessons when things go wrongGood
effective: Assessing people's needs and choices; delivering care in line with standards, guidance and the lawGood
effective: Staff support: induction, training, skills and experienceGood
effective: Supporting people to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced dietGood
effective: Staff working with other agencies; supporting people to access healthcareGood
effective: Ensuring consent to care and treatment in line with law and guidanceGood
caring: Ensuring people are well treated and supported; respecting equality and diversityGood
caring: Supporting people to express their views and be involved in making decisions about their careGood
caring: Respecting and promoting people's privacy, dignity and independenceGood
responsive: Planning personalised care to meet needs and preferencesGood
responsive: Meeting people's communication needsGood
responsive: Supporting people to develop and maintain relationships and follow interestsGood
responsive: Improving care quality in response to complaints or concernsGood
responsive: End of life care and supportGood
well-led: Promoting a positive, person-centred, open and empowering cultureGood
well-led: Understanding and acting on the duty of candourGood
well-led: Managers and staff being clear about roles, quality, risks and regulatory requirementsGood
well-led: Engaging and involving people, the public and staffGood
well-led: Continuous learning and improving careGood