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Elite Care Services Limited

Overall: Good read more about inspection ratings

10c Stephenson Court, Priory Business Park, Fraser Road, Bedford, MK44 3WH (01234) 856979

Provided and run by:
Elite Care Services Ltd

Report from 12 January 2024 assessment

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Safe

Good

Updated 1 March 2024

As part of this assessment, we looked at 3 quality statements for the key question of safe. These were ‘safeguarding, involving people to manage risks and safe and effective staffing’. People told us they felt safe, and their care was delivered safely. Detailed risk assessments were in place to protect people from the risk of harm. Robust procedures were in place to ensure care visits were not missed and staff were recruited safely.

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.

Learning culture

Score: 3

We did not look at Learning culture during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

Safe systems, pathways and transitions

Score: 3

We did not look at Safe systems, pathways and transitions during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

Safeguarding

Score: 3

Staff told us, and records showed, they had received appropriate training with regards to safeguarding and protecting people. One staff member commented, “I have had training and would report anything that I didn't think was right. If I noticed cuts/ bruising, money missing, medication problems I would report to the manager, but I could, if needed, go straight to social services."

Records confirmed that all staff had completed safeguarding training for vulnerable adults and there were safeguarding policies in place that were accessible to staff. Systems were in place to make safeguarding referrals to the relevant authorities and the registered manager and provider understood their responsibility to report safeguarding concerns.

People felt safe with the support they received. One person told us, “I have been with the company just over a year and feel really safe in their care. I am a bit unsteady on my feet and they are very attentive to my vulnerability; for instance, they supervise my shower very discreetly, observing my privacy and dignity and they are always aware of any tripping hazards, making sure I am safe at all times.”

Involving people to manage risks

Score: 3

People were protected against the risk of avoidable harm. One person said, " They are extremely risk aware, advising me if necessary.”

Staff were able to tell us how they supported people safely and understood people's risks. One staff member told us, “If I saw something that I felt is risk I would report it to the office. I follow risk assessment to make sure that I keep the service users safe.” Another member of staff commented, “The risk assessments are there to help us to use the safest route to do things.”

Risk assessments were used to promote and protect people’s safety in a positive way. Staff told us, and records showed they were reviewed on a regular basis and updated when required.

Safe environments

Score: 3

We did not look at Safe environments during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

Safe and effective staffing

Score: 3

Staff rotas showed that sufficient numbers of staff were consistently deployed to fully meet people’s needs. We saw that an ongoing schedule of training was in place, to ensure staff kept up to date with good practice. New staff went through an induction period, which included shadowing more experienced staff to get to know people, as well as covering the basic training subjects. Staff felt well supported and they told us they had regular supervision and spot checks to ensure they were working in line with best practice guidance. The provider followed robust recruitment procedures to ensure people were protected from staff that may not be fit to support them.

There were enough staff to meet people's needs and people received support from a regular staff team. One person told us, “I have 1 carer to give me personal care and they are always on time and stay the full duration. My weekend carers are brilliant, 2 in particular are wonderful.” Another person said, “I have a regular team of 5, who always turn up on time. They stay the full call time and never let me down.”

Staff told us they felt staffing numbers were sufficient to meet the needs of people using the service and keep them safe. One staff member told us, “Yes, our staffing is very good, and we never have to rush." Another member of staff said, “We do the same round so we see the same people and they see only us, unless there is sickness or holidays.”

Infection prevention and control

Score: 3

We did not look at Infection prevention and control during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

Medicines optimisation

Score: 3

We did not look at Medicines optimisation during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.