A Ryedale care company has found to be 'good' in a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission.
Eldercare, based in Newbiggin, Malton, a domiciliary care service, was found to be safe and well-led.
At the time of the inspection in July, 18 people received the service in their own homes.
The service is registered to provide support to people who misuse drugs and alcohol, people with an eating disorder, and people with dementia, mental health, learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorder.
The report found appropriate pre-employment checks were carried out to ensure suitable staff were employed. People were supported safely by staff who knew them well.
One person said, "We get the same carer, and she is very good, and they do turn up on time."
Processes are in place ensuring enough suitably trained staff were recruited and on duty to safely meet
people's needs.
Risks to people's safety and welfare were assessed and well managed, the report added.
One person said: "Yes I feel safe, I am comfortable". A relative said: "Absolutely, the service is second to none."
People's care plans were reviewed and included risk assessments about current individual care needs.
Control measures to reduce known risks were set out in care plans for staff to refer to.
Staff knew people well and were knowledgeable about people's individual needs and what to do to
provide safe care and support.
Inspectors said staff told told them communication about people's needs was completed in a timely way with verbal feedback prompting reviews of people's care records to ensure information remained up to date.
One staff member said: "The manager is always available and acts quickly to any changing needs. Records are updated and we always have the information we need to keep people safe."
Staff had received training in safeguarding and understood how to recognise signs of abuse and what
actions to take to safeguard people from avoidable harm.
All incidents were documented with systems and oversight to record outcomes and take actions to help
prevent similar events as part of lessons learnt. For example, where people required support which involved their finances policy and process had been updated to ensure associated record keeping and checks remained safe and secure.
The report said they were assured that the provider was using PPE effectively and safely and was responding effectively to risks and signs of infection.
Inspectors said the service was consistently managed and well-led. Leaders and the culture they created
promoted high-quality, person-centred care.
Care plans included information to ensure care and support reflected people's needs, aspirations, and
objectives. This information was regularly reviewed with people to ensure outcomes remained achievable and any identified risks managed.
The report said staff had a good understanding of people's needs and supported an inclusive, safe environment where people could thrive.
"People spoke openly, with enthusiasm about the support they received which helped to support their
daily living.
"Managers and staff are clear about their roles, and understanding quality performance, risks, and
regulatory requirements.
"Care plans were regularly reviewed and evaluated with people's input to ensure support in place was in
line with their changing needs and information helped to keep them safe from known risks.
Inspectors said the registered manager was passionate about empowering staff and provided good support to help carers meet their aspirations.
"Everyone told us how approachable the registered manager was and that they would not hesitate to raise any concerns for investigation and action. One person said, "There is nothing to complain about."
"People told us they were routinely consulted with and that their wishes, plans for their care and feedback about the service were listened to and respected.
"Staff discussed their passion for their roles and the supportive team approach to providing people with
consistent care. They told us this promoted people's independent living arrangements. One staff member
said, "We are a small service, it's like a family but with professional boundaries. People are at the centre of everything we do."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here