Archived: Enthuse Care

Is the service safe?

Is the service effective?

Is the service caring?

Is the service responsive?

Is the service well-led?

This is a summary of what we found-

Is the service safe?

People told us they felt safe receiving care from staff employed by Enthuse Care. Staff were aware of how to gain entry into people's homes and maintain the person's security.' One person told us, "I trust them with my life and without their support I don't know where I would be."

Staff had completed training in the safeguarding of vulnerable adults. They could describe different types of abuse and how it could be determined if someone was being abused. All of the staff we spoke with were knowledgeable about the service's safeguarding policy and local procedures for reporting suspected abuse and felt confident to use them. Risks to people's health and safety in their homes had been assessed and management plans were in place to reduce these risks. Appropriate checks were carried out on staff before they began working with people.

Is the service effective?

People we spoke with told us they were involved in planning their care. One person's relative said, 'We were involved in my relative's care plans and their main wish was not to go into a care home. Thanks to the staff at Enthuse we have achieved this.' Staff were knowledgeable about people's care needs and how to meet them. Staff had received training to ensure they had the skills to care for people living in their own homes. Where appropriate, the service sought advice from health professionals to assist with the care provided for people.

Is the service caring?

People were supported by staff who were aware of their needs and how they wished to be supported. One person told us 'the staff are wonderful, they are really caring and kind and nothing is too much trouble for them.' A relative told us, 'I know how happy my relative is with the carers as they always smile when they know they are due to arrive,' We were made aware of an incident where a person's health had deteriorated. The records showed how staff worked with other health professionals to prevent the need for the person to be admitted to hospital. This was successful for the person and their health improved.

Is the service responsive?

An assessment of needs was carried out before people began to receive support from the service. The care records contained details of how each person wished to be supported, including their personal likes and dislikes. People told us they could change some aspects of their care and could discuss this with staff or by ringing the office. One person had been able to change the time of their evening visit as it was too early for them. The service responded to concerns and complaints and ensured the person was made aware of the result.

Is the service well-led?

Quality assurance systems were in place. The provider carried out regular audits which looked at the care and support people received along with checks of people's care plans. We saw some people and their relatives had completed an annual questionnaire about the quality of the service they received. Comments from the survey were all positive Where people had made suggestions or requests, the manager had contacted the respondents to inform them of changes that were made in response to their comments. Staff told us the management team were supportive and always available for advice and help. Supervisions and appraisals were occurring regularly. The manager had brought in a weekly staff clinic where care staff could call into the office and discuss any concerns or issues they wished to. Ideas were taken from this and used to develop suitable training for all staff.

We spoke with four people who used the service and two family members of people using the service. They told us they were happy with the care provided and that staff made sure they had given their consent to care and treatment. Care was delivered in line with their needs, staff were punctual and the service was responsive to requests. One person described the service as 'switched on'. Another said they were 'quite happy' with the care provided and 'impressed' by the staff.

A healthcare professional told us the service worked with other providers in a professional and organised manner. They said that co-operation with them had been 'invaluable'.

We found that systems were in place to record people's consent to their care and support. People's care needs were assessed and care was delivered according to people's plans. Arrangements were in place to support people to take their medicines. Appropriate checks were made before staff started work, and records were fit for purpose and kept securely.

We found that they agency respected people's wishes and supported them in ways which met their needs. People were supported by staff who knew them well and arrived on time. Procedures were in place to safeguard people and the agency had systems in place to review the quality of the service. Records were kept securely in the office but some staff carried information with them which could have put people at risk if it had been lost or stolen.