Archived: Domiciliary Support Office

Arrangements to support people with their medicines did not always ensure that they were protected from risks. We identified concerns in relation to information about people's medicines, the way medicines were given and the way they were recorded. This put people at risk of not receiving their medicines in a safe way.

People who used the service were satisfied with the staff employed to support them. They told us that they liked the staff and thought the service employed the right kind of people. Recruitment procedures, however, did not ensure that all appropriate checks were carried out on new staff. Some information required by the regulations in relation to people's suitability for employment had not been obtained.

There were procedures in place to monitor the quality of the service. We found that regular reviews were carried out to ensure people's needs were met and to make improvements where appropriate. The provider listened to people who used the service and gave people the opportunity to influence the support they received.

Care plans that we looked at evidenced staff supported people to make their own choices about what they had for lunch, what activities they took part in and what they needed support with. Staff knew exactly how each person communicated which meant people's wishes were understood and respected.

Records that we looked at evidenced that people were involved in choosing how and when they wanted their care and support. This indicated that people were involved in planning their care on a daily basis.

A family member said "I am really grateful for all the time and information you gave me" and a person using the service said "I wake up with a huge grin on my face each morning - thank you."