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Care4u Office

Overall: Good read more about inspection ratings

Aidan House, Tynegate Precinct, Sunderland Road, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE8 3HU (0191) 429 6062

Provided and run by:
Care4u

Important: This service was previously registered at a different address - see old profile

All Inspections

During an assessment under our new approach

Date of Assessment: 12 March to 21 March 2025. CARE4U office is a homecare service, which provides personal care for people living in their own homes. At the time of the inspection 8 people used the service.

At the last inspection we identified a breach of regulation in relation to the oversight of the service. Quality assurance processes were not effective at ensuring care and medicine records were up to date and maintained in line with best practice guidance. Audits had not identified the issues. At this inspection, improvements had been made, and the service was no longer in breach of regulations.

Staff knew how to provide safe care. They understood people's needs and how to manage any presenting risks. The provider ensured the assessments were completed in a timely manner and were accurate. The care records clearly detailed people’s needs and were written in a person-centred manner.

The provider promoted a learning culture where staff had access to a wide range of training, which equipped them with the skills and knowledge to work well with people. As part of the staff induction programme, the staff from overseas completed learning about preparing and cooking nutritious meals, which were culturally appropriate for the people they supported. Staff found the training really supported them to provide the best care possible for the people who used the service.

The provider ensured the service put people first. They encouraged people to share their views and always looked to see what improvements could be made. The provider ensured there were enough staff available to deliver the care packages. On the whole recruitment practices were meeting requirements. We discussed the need for application forms, and interview questions to cover all employment history, which the provider immediately actioned. Staff consistently reported the provider was approachable and really encouraged them to go the extra mile.

27 May 2022

During a routine inspection

About the service

Care4u Office is a domiciliary care agency providing personal care to people in their own homes. At the time of our inspection there were eight people using the service.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

Medicines were not always managed safely, documents were not completed correctly and medicines audits were not taking place. The provider assured us this would be addressed quickly.

Systems were in place to safeguard people from abuse. People told us they felt safe with their carers. Risks to people's safety were assessed. Staff were recruited safely and staff were suitably trained to carry out their roles. People told us staff wore their PPE when caring for them.

Staff received regular training, supervision and appraisal. People received effective support with eating and drinking. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests.

People received personalised support based on their needs and preferences. People were supported to maintain their relationships and interests. Staff were proud of the support they were able to provide. The provider had a complaints procedure in place.

Feedback from people and their relatives was regularly sought and acted on. People, relatives and staff spoke positively about the culture and values of the service.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

This service was registered with us on 27 November 2020 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service.

Enforcement and Recommendations

We are mindful of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our regulatory function. This meant we took account of the exceptional circumstances arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic when considering what enforcement action was necessary and proportionate to keep people safe as a result of this inspection. We will continue to monitor the service and will take further action if needed.

We have identified breaches in relation to the safe management of medicines and in quality assurance processes at this inspection.

Please see the action we have told the provider to take at the end of this report.

Follow up

We will request an action plan from the provider to understand what they will do to improve the standards of quality and safety. We will work alongside the provider and local authority to monitor progress. We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.