Finding a good home care provider

Finding a good home care provider

We understand people should be empowered to make their own choices when it comes to finding a good homecare provider.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the regulator that ensures health and social care services are the best they can be. The CQC has a set of criteria to assess the quality and safety of every care provider, so you can rest assured you or your loved one is in safe hands.

If you’re looking for a homecare in Blackburn, here’s how to make an informed decision based on the five key lines of enquiry (KLOEs) used by the CQC, and how we measured up in our latest CQC inspection.

The five KLOEs and how Choice Care meets these requirements

Is it safe?

This considers whether individuals feel safe and protected by staff while maintaining their dignity, giving them respect and the freedom to be themselves. It also looks at reliability, protection from being bullied, harassed, harmed or abused, including neglect and financial abuse.

Our results:

Clients told inspectors they felt safe using the service and staff were knowledgeable and skilled.

The CQC reported staff had carried out safeguarding training and knew their responsibilities. Risk assessments were in place and regularly reviewed.

Is it effective?

A good care service should ensure customers are introduced to staff, and that a carer is chosen carefully to suit the individual based on their knowledge, qualifications and skills.

Those we care for should always be asked for consent to care and treatment in a way they can understand and their preferences should be reflected as much as possible. Input from family and friends should be included where applicable.

Our results:

The manager ensured people had person-centred care plans in place, which demonstrated that the person receiving care had been involved in the decision-making process.

Service users confirmed their care and support was reviewed on a regular basis.

Is it caring?

This aims to explore whether staff know about individuals’ backgrounds, likes, hopes and needs, including those related to age, disability, sex, gender identity, race, religion or belief, or sexuality. Staff should take time to build trusting relationships and those in their care should feel comfortable enough to express their views and needs, no matter how complex.

Our results:

The report found those we care for felt empowered to make decisions and choices – something we pride ourselves on at Choice Care, where our flexible approach allows them to maintain their independence as much as possible in their own home.

Clients and their families unanimously told assessors staff were kind, caring and respectful and maintained their privacy and dignity, while supporting them to maintain their independence.

 Is it responsive to people’s needs?

An individual’s care, treatment and support should be set out in a plan that reflects personal choices, with family involved where applicable. They should be kept up-to-date and include information about the person’s character, such as their history, goals and abilities. There should also be plans in place, should they need to visit a hospital or access another service.

Our results:

Clients were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible with their best interests in mind.

Is it well-led?

This question seeks to ensure efficiency and relationships between staff and management and their ability to work alongside other services and professionals where necessary. If things go wrong, management should be honest and accountable.

Our results:

Staff described a positive culture, which supported and promoted positive outcomes for our clients

Based on our latest report, our rating is overall ‘good’, the same result as our previous assessment, highlighting the consistency and quality of our care. 

If you’re looking for homecare in Blackburn and would like to discuss your needs, call us today on 0203 195 0151 to see how we can help you.