Bluebird Care (Waltham Forest) provides personal care for people in their own homes some of whom may be living with dementia. At the time of this inspection 42 people were receiving personal care. This was the first inspection of the service since it registered with the Care Quality Commission.

There was a registered manager at the service. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

The service had safeguarding and whistleblowing policies in place and staff knew what action to take if they suspected someone was being abused. Safe recruitment checks were carried out. People had risk assessments carried out to ensure safe care was provided and potential risks were minimised. There were systems in place to ensure people were supported to manage their medicines safely.

Staff were supported with regular training opportunities and supervisions. The registered manager and staff were knowledgeable about their responsibilities around the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and when they needed to obtain consent from people. Staff supported people with meal preparation and were aware of people’s nutritional requirements.

Staff were aware of people’s needs and how to develop positive relationships. People and relatives thought staff were caring. Staff demonstrated their awareness of how to provide dignified care, respect people’s privacy and encourage independence.

Care plans were personalised and staff demonstrated awareness of providing personalised care. Complaints were dealt with appropriately and in accordance with the provider’s policy.

The provider had systems to check the quality of the service provided. People and their relatives were asked for their views about the service. Staff had regular staff meetings to receive updates on the service.