HomeLife Carers (Exeter) was rated Good across all five key questions at this first inspection of the newly registered domiciliary care service supporting 163 people. Minor concerns included mixed feedback on travel time between visits, rota consistency, and staff requests for more practical (rather than electronic) training.
Concerns (3)
minor
Staffing levels
: “We received mixed responses from staff in relation to the allocated travel time between appointments. Some commented positively that they felt there was sufficient time, however others did not agree.”
minorCommunication with families: “we received mixed feedback from people about the consistency of receiving a rota every week showing their care appointments.”
minorStaff training: “Some staff we spoke with told us they would like more practical training in addition to the electronic training currently provided.”
Strengths
· Staff demonstrated understanding of safeguarding and reporting processes
· Individual risks assessed and reviewed with least-restrictive mitigations
· Consistent staff teams familiar with people's needs
· Safe recruitment processes including DBS and references
· Good infection control and PPE practices during COVID-19
Quality-Statement breakdown (23)
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and managementNot rated
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseNot rated
safe: Using medicines safelyNot rated
safe: Staffing and recruitmentNot rated
safe: Preventing and controlling infectionNot rated
safe: Learning lessons when things go wrongNot rated
effective: Assessing people's needs and choices; delivering care in line with standards, guidance and the lawNot rated
effective: Staff support: induction, training, skills and experienceNot rated
effective: Staff working with other agencies; supporting people to access healthcareNot rated
effective: Ensuring consent to care and treatment in line with law and guidanceNot rated
effective: Supporting people to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced dietNot rated
caring: Ensuring people are well treated and supported; respecting equality and diversityNot rated
caring: Supporting people to express their views and be involved in making decisions about their careNot rated
caring: Respecting and promoting people's privacy, dignity and independenceNot rated
responsive: Planning personalised care to ensure people have choice and control and to meet their needs and preferencesNot rated
responsive: Meeting people's communication needsNot rated
responsive: Improving care quality in response to complaints or concernsNot rated
responsive: End of life care and supportNot rated
well-led: Managers and staff being clear about their roles, and understanding quality performance, risks and regulatory requirementsNot rated
well-led: Duty of candourNot rated
well-led: Promoting a positive, person-centred cultureNot rated
well-led: Engaging and involving people, the public and staffNot rated
well-led: Continuous learning and improving care; working in partnership with othersNot rated