We carried out a themed inspection looking at domiciliary care services. We asked people to tell us what it was like to receive services from Danum Homecare as part of a targeted inspection programme of domiciliary care agencies with particular regard to how people's dignity was upheld and how they make choices about their care. The inspection team was led by a CQC inspector joined by an Expert by Experience who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of service.We used postal surveys, telephone interviews and home visits to people who used the service and to their main carers (a relative or friends) to gain views about the service.
We were able to contact 23 people. People we spoke with made positive comments about the care and support they received from Danum Homecare. They told us that the care workers were friendly, treated them with respect and helped them maintain their dignity. They all said that the care workers always listen to them and took note of their suggestions as they carried out the care. People told us that care workers always asked for their consent before carrying out care.
Twenty people who used the service told us the care and support was planned with their help and they were able to make changes to their care plan as and when they needed. The others said their family contributed to the planning of their care. They said,' I can manage lots of things myself and I know what help I need and I get that from the care workers.' 'the care workers are wonderful they let me do as much as I am able to, so that I can keep living in my home.'
All the people we spoke with told us that they had no cause for concern when care workers were around. They said, 'I feel safe when the staff are with me.' 'I will not tolerate any bad behaviour from anybody. I will take my own action.'
Ten people told us that care workers worked in teams and they knew all the workers in the team and the team leader. Three people told us most of the time they had the same care workers and they only had different ones when they were on leave or off sick. They also said the care workers arrived at the pre-arranged time and stayed for the duration.