Archived: Shapes Domiciliary Service - Diverse Abilities Plus Limited

During our visit we spoke with members of staff, reviewed records and spoke with people.

Care plans we reviewed were thorough and included information about people's physical, social and emotional healthcare needs and personal preferences.

Care plans were kept under regular review and risks to people's safety were assessed. Plans to reduce and monitor risks to both people using the service and others were recorded.

We saw there was a caring and experienced staff team and that staff were well supported and trained to undertake their duties.

People were protected from the risk of abuse or harm by there being safeguarding policies and procedures in place and by staff knowing how and when to use them.

People were positive about the manager and staff team and said they were kind and supportive. One person told us: "We receive a first class service from every one of the staff, they are an amazing bunch of people and we couldn't cope without them".

There were processes in place to monitor accidents and incidents and the quality of service being provided. Records showed us that families and professionals involved in people's care were consulted through annual questionnaires and spot checks.

We spoke with two parents of children receiving support from the agency. Parents told us they were 'very satisfied' with the care and support their children received. Comments included, 'Excellent service. It's been invaluable.' Also, 'The staff are very good. They always consider other family members when they are here'.

One parent told us they were impressed with the staff's knowledge, skills and how they presented themselves. Another parent told us they liked the fact the same staff cared for their child and that they felt their comments were listened to. The parents we spoke with told us they had confidence in workers and felt they 'couldn't rate them highly enough'.

We also took time to view individual care records and documentation held at the agency office.