Helping Hands Cramlington

On this page

• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

Effective – this means we looked for evidence that people’s care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life, based on best available evidence.    This is the first inspection for this newly registered service. This key question has been rated good. This meant people’s outcomes were consistently good, and people’s feedback confirmed this.   

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

The registered manager made sure people’s care and treatment was effective by assessing and reviewing their health, care, well-being and communication needs with them. Staff used a range of assessment tools to assess and monitor people's care needs, health and medical conditions and well-being. People’s needs were assessed prior to using the service and reviewed on an ongoing basis, people’s care plans and risk assessments were evaluated 3 monthly and as their needs changed. A person told us, “My daughter called the office at the start and the manager called to talk to me about what I wanted from the service.” A relative commented, “We have meetings every year to review [Name]’s care.”

The service planned and delivered people’s care and treatment with them, including what was important and mattered to them. They did this in line with legislation and current evidence-based good practice and standards. Records included specialist advice and guidance, that had been obtained where people had additional support needs. Relevant health and social care professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapy were involved to ensure staff had the correct guidance, to ensure people’s needs such as for moving and assisting or swallowing difficulties were met safely and that staff followed best practice.

The service worked well across teams and services to support people. They made sure people only needed to tell their story once by sharing their assessment of needs when people moved between different services. Staff made timely referrals and worked well with other agencies to ensure people's treatment needs were met. A relative commented, “Staff came and noticed that [Name]’s breathing was not right so they called an ambulance, and they were correct to call the ambulance.”

The service supported people to manage their health and well-being to maximise their independence, choice and control. The service supported people to live healthier lives and where possible, reduce their future needs for care and support. Relatives told us they were informed immediately if their loved one was unwell. A relative told us, “One of the carer’s sent me a text to tell me [Name] was unwell, after they had telephoned the GP. That was very good of them.” Another relative commented, “Staff have called the district nurse when there has been a problem.”

The provider routinely monitored people’s care and treatment to continuously improve it. They ensured that outcomes were positive and consistent, and that they met both clinical expectations and the expectations of people themselves. There was evidence of regular reviews and action being taken immediately following any changes to people’s health needs. During reviews, care needs were discussed to improve outcomes. Regular audits were also carried out to monitor and improve outcomes. A professional commented, “The registered manager has had excellent oversight and often deals with the issues herself, carrying out home visits jointly with me, and supports her staff well, as well as working closely with the client to agree strategies to protect the staff, the client and help make the package work.”

The service told people about their rights around consent and respected these when delivering person-centred care and treatment. The management team carried out assessments, around people’s mental capacity and care records contained all relevant information and were documented in line with guidance.