First inspection of Circles Homecare, a small domiciliary care agency supporting one person at the time of inspection, rated Good overall and across all five key questions. Inspectors found safe care, trained staff, person-centred support and effective management systems with no concerns identified.
Strengths
· Positive feedback from people and relatives, with one relative saying 'I cannot fault them.'
· Staff received appropriate training including safeguarding, infection control, equality and diversity, and diet and nutrition.
· Risk assessments were in place, reviewed and kept up to date to meet the person's needs.
· Safe recruitment practices including DBS checks were in place.
· Consistent staffing with the same two staff members attending care calls, and communication if running late.
Quality-Statement breakdown (22)
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 live healthier lives, access healthcare services and supportGood
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 ensure people have choice and control and to meet their needs and preferencesGood
responsive: Meeting people's communication needsGood
responsive: Improving care quality in response to complaints or concernsGood
responsive: End of life care and supportGood
well-led: Promoting a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empoweringGood
well-led: Managers and staff being clear about their roles; duty of candourGood
well-led: Engaging and involving people using the service, the public and staffGood
well-led: Continuous learning and improving care; working in partnership with othersGood