We carried out a review of the data available to us about Unique Homecare Lincoln Ltd on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Unique Homecare Lincoln Ltd, you can give feedback on this service.
Unique Homecare is a homecare service providing personal care. The service mostly provides support to older people. Not everyone who used the service received personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided.
At the time of our inspection there were 30 people using the service and 12 of these people were supported with personal care.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
The provider was exceptionally kind and caring and often went above and beyond expectations to promote people’s health and wellbeing. The staff team took innovative steps to reflect people’s personal histories and interests. People’s dignity, privacy and independence was at the heart of the support they received. The provider offered flexible support with a strong emphasis on social interaction. Staff ensured people were actively encouraged to make decisions about their own care.
Some key risks to people were not always clearly flagged in their care plans. Staff understood the need to raise concerns about poor practice but were not always clear on whistleblowing processes. The provider took immediate actions to ensure these risks were highlighted and staff understood whistleblowing procedures. People told us they felt safe using the service and were involved in their risk assessments. Staff recruitment was safe. People were supported with medicines safely and lessons were learnt when things went wrong.
People’s needs and choices were assessed effectively. People and relatives were involved in care planning and reviews of their support. Staff received a comprehensive training package and induction to support people effectively. People were supported to eat and drink a balanced diet. People were supported to access healthcare services.
People told us the service was responsive to their needs. Care planning was built around a person’s needs and wishes. People were supported to pursue hobbies and interests. People were supported with their communication needs. The provider was responsive to any concerns raised. Information was available to staff at people’s homes around end of life wishes.
Some quality assurance systems could have been more robust. Actions were taken immediately to improve these processes. The provider had a person-centred approach and the registered manager was candid when things went wrong. The provider used and sought innovative means to achieve better outcomes for people. People and staff were engaged by the provider.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 15 January 2021 and this is the first inspection.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection following registration.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect