We undertook this comprehensive inspection on the 3 & 4 July 2018 it was announced. This was the services first inspection since the registration of the service in May 2017.
Helping hands is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own houses and flats in the community. It provides a service to older adults.
Not everyone using Helping hands receives regulated activity; CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with ‘personal care’; help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also take into account any wider social care provided. At the time of the inspection there were 65 people receiving personal care from the agency. This was in the Weston Super mare and surrounding area.
The service had a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
People were supported by staff who were trained competent and had received training to provide care and support to people. Staff felt supported and received supervision and an annual appraisal.
People were supported to receive their medicines safely and when required. People’s care plans contained support plans and important information relating to people’s like, dislikes and routines.
People were supported by staff who could demonstrate the correct use of personal protective equipment to prevent cross infection.
People were supported by staff who had suitable checks in place prior to being employed by the service. Staff were able to demonstrate a good understanding of abuse and who to go to should they have concerns.
People were supported by regular staff who knew them well. Staff were kind and caring and offered people choices. People received support by health care professionals when required.
The principles of The Mental Capacity Act 2005 were being followed.
People received support from staff as required with their food and drinks.
People and relatives felt able to raise concerns with the registered manager and all felt they were accessible.
Staff were recognised for their individual contribution to the service and support they provided people with.
The service had a quality assurance systems in place that identified shortfalls. The registered manager also undertook regular checks and worked from their monthly action plan to ensure actions were met.
People had their views sought so that feedback could improve the care provided.