Be Caring Leeds

On this page

• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

People's needs were comprehensively assessed and re-assessed to ensure the plan of care was in line with their current needs. People received care from staff who were were trained and competent in their role. Staff competency was assessed to ensure training was effective. The service worked well with other organisations and healthcare professionals to ensure people received joined up care. Care was planned in line with best practice guidelines.

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.

People and their relatives were involved in drawing up their initial care plan and told us they were confident any significant changes in their care were reflected in their care plan. Scheduled reviews of plans were also in place. People had been able to ensure what was important to them was captured in their initial care plan. One person told us, “Yes, I do have a care plan. At the beginning, the supervisor came and went through everything and it was decided what would be best for me.”

Staff told us they knew people well and understood their current needs. They felt information was clear enough for them to be able to support people safely from the start.

The provider worked in partnership with the local authority, people using the service and their relatives in assessing needs and devising care plans designed to meet them. Care plans were clear and accessible for all staff members supporting that person. Care plans were reviewed to reflect changes as these occurred. Records were electronic and some people also had paper files in their homes if they wished. Changes were communicated quickly and effectively by the electronic recording system.

People’s care and treatment included what was important for them and what mattered to them. We received mixed feedback regarding peoples support around preparation and support with food. Action was taken by the provider following people's concerns and cookbook guides were created to assist any staff members who required this support. The provider told us these had been received well by staff members. A 'come cook with us' day had also been arranged.

Staff understood the importance of considering people’s holistic needs which included their physical and mental wellbeing including good nutrition and hydration. One staff member told us about what they consider when supporting people, “You have to understand the need to encourage people to do things themselves. This gives people a boost and then they sit a bit taller.” Staff understood how to work with external health and social care providers, to provide support in the most effective way.

We found that people's care plans contained clear information about what was important for people and what mattered to them. Care plans we reviewed contained detailed information which included how to support people with nutrition. The auditing of care plans identified issues any with the care plans and swift action was taken.

People told us staff liaised with other health and social care professionals should this be required. One person received support regarding new equipment that had been implemented, staff members supporting were informed and trained prior to using the equipment.

The provider told us they work well with other health and social care professionals and aim to share key information appropriately to benefit people who use the service. Staff told us the systems for communication with other care providers and the community health teams worked well.

We did not receive any feedback from partners for this section.

Care records were detailed and contained information for staff to refer to and share with other health and social care professionals as needed.

People were supported to access health services including health screening and specialist health services. A person told us how staff supported them to attend health appointments. Relatives praised the staff and management team, in how they responded to their relative’s health needs. A relative said, “The carers are so kind, very caring, and so respectful to both mum and dad, if either of them is off colour the carers notice straight away, and they let me know and if necessary, they contact the doctor. “

Staff demonstrated a good understanding of people’s health care and support needs. Staff provided a clear account of the support they provided to encourage people to access health care services and of their role in how health care needs were monitored. A staff member told us, “I spend time with people at mealtimes to ensure their nutritional needs are being met.”

Partnership working with a range of health and social care professionals supported people’s health and welfare. People’s support needs were documented and regularly reviewed in response to any changes to their care and support needs. There was no evidence of hospital passports being in place, however the provider has stated this is now something they will implement where people are supported to appointments. A log of appointments attended, and outcomes was evidenced. A request has also been made to add this to electronic system to ensure easier tracking and monitoring of appointments. The provider confirmed that they would take action to provide information in different formats for people such as easy read or pictorial reference to support in the preparation of upcoming health appointments, such as the dentist, optician or for blood tests.

People told us they had been offered the opportunity to review their care plan. One person told us “I do have regular contact with the manager she rings me about once a month to see if I am doing ok.”

Staff told us they relied on care plans being updated to reflect people's current needs. Daily notes were audited, and action taken were required.

Daily notes documenting staff visits to people were reviewed. This was designed to ensure care and support was monitored.

People’s care records documented consent on issues such as who they were happy to have provide personal care and people told us their choices were respected.

Staff were aware they needed to ensure they asked people's consent before providing care, one staff member told us “Every person regardless of their illness or physical challenges has a right to make their own decisions, if people are unable to make a decision then a best interest meeting is held with all people involved with the individuals care.”

There was evidence that staff had received appropriate training relating to people’s capacity to consent to care and on the Mental Capacity Act 2005.