Archived: Blandford Office

People told us that they understood the care choices available to them, and could have their views taken into account in the way their care was delivered. A person told us, 'There is always someone to answer the phone." A person's relative told us, 'They ask for permission and explain things.'

We found that people's needs were assessed, and care was planned and delivered to meet people's needs. A person's relative told us, "We have a care plan. They write in it daily." A person told us, 'They are always polite and cheerful.' We saw that people's care was regularly reviewed and their personal information was held securely.

We saw that the agency's staff received regular medications training updates. People had their medicines administered in a safe way. People's medicines were handled appropriately.

We found that staff were properly trained and supervised. The care staff we spoke with told us that the service had offered them the opportunity to study for qualifications that were relevant to their work.

The provider had appropriate systems in place to monitor and improve the quality of care people received. The registered manager told us, "We are a charity. We don't have to compromise our values."

People who used the service were older adults including a significant proportion who had dementia type illness. We saw that care plan information was documented in sufficient detail alongside detailed risk assessments to support the safe delivery of care to service users. One relative of a person who used the service told us about the staff that

'They can't do enough for you' and 'we just can't fault them at all.' They told us that the carers were always on time and 'cheered him up.'

We found that staff understood their role in safeguarding vulnerable people and that training was up to date.

We saw evidence that the provider took steps to assure the quality of the service delivery, involved people in the service development and that the leadership of the service promoted dignity and respect for people who used the service and their families.

There was evidence that the staff were well supported which meant that people could be assured of a safe service which met their needs.