What life is like for people using this service:

People who used the agency and relatives told us they felt confident in the management team and how the service operated. They told us good staffing levels afforded people responsive and dignified support.

The management team had safe recruitment procedures to ensure staff were suitable to work with vulnerable adults. We saw staffing levels matched each person’s requirements to maintain continuity of care. One person who used the service said, “A lovely agency I am very happy and feel safe with the staff who help me”

Staff responsible for assisting people with their medicines had received training to ensure they had the competency and skills required.

Risk assessments had been developed to minimise the potential risk of harm to people during the delivery of their care. These had been kept under review and were relevant to the care provided.

Care plan information focused on a person-centred method of supporting people. Also, information contained what support was required and consent to care forms had been signed by people who received a service from SureCare.

People supported by the service told us they were treated with respect and by caring staff. For example, positive comments included, “A lovely agency I am very happy with the kind, caring people they send me.” Also, “Always courteous and respectful when they are in my home.”

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice. We discussed the principles of the MCA and consent with staff and found they had a good awareness.

We found SureCare had systems in place to ensure they met people’s diverse and cultural needs. Those who used the service and relatives told us staff and the management team checked whether staff respected their customs and their way of life. Care records we looked at evidenced people and where appropriate relatives were fully included in their support planning.

People told us and staff confirmed to us there were enough staff on duty to ensure people received care in a timely way in their own homes. In addition, sufficient staff were deployed so that people had opportunity to go out in the local community if this was assessed in their care plan.”

The registered manager and management team used a variety of methods to assess and monitor the quality of the service. These included staff meetings, spot checks, auditing of the service and surveys to seek people’s views about the service provided.

The service worked in partnership with other organisations to ensure they followed good practice and people in their care were safe.

There was a complaints procedure which was made available to people and their family when they commenced using the service. People we spoke with told us they were happy with the support they received.

More information is in Detailed Findings below.

Rating at last inspection:

This was their first inspection.

About the service:

This service is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own houses and flats in the community. It provides a service to older adults. At the time of the inspection 44 people used the service. The office is based in Blackpool and provides services to people who live in Blackpool, Fleetwood, Fylde & Wyre and surrounding areas. The service provides care and support varying from short visits to 24 hours a day support.

Why we inspected:

This was a planned first inspection of the service since their registration with CQC.

Follow up:

We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme or if any issues or concerns are identified.