Archived: Torbay Home Based Carer's Breaks Service

On the day of our visit, the service was providing personal care to five people. The agency also provided a sitting service for a further 19 people. We spoke with one person who used the service, two relatives, one healthcare professional and four care workers.

People who used the service and their relatives told us they were very happy with the care they received. Comments included "it's brilliant' and 'the carers are all very good'. One relative told us 'It's a great help for me, it means I can go out to work'. Care plans contained enough detail so staff knew how to meet people's needs.

People who used the service and their relatives told us they felt safe when care workers came into their homes. Care workers knew how to report concerns to ensure people were protected from the risk of harm.

We found the agency had a comprehensive staff training programme. People who used the service told us care workers knew what to do to meet their needs.

The manager designate was developing the quality assurance systems to ensure the agency was able to assess and monitor the quality of the service. People who used the agency told us 'there's nothing to complain about' and 'it couldn't be better'.

People using this service were supported in accordance with the values of Leonard Cheshire Disability. People said they were treated as individuals and with respect. They said that staff promoted their independence and upheld their rights to make choices.

People said they received an excellent person centred and flexible service from a small staff team who they knew well. They said they felt safe being cared for by the staff from this service.

Staff carried out assessments of people's needs and recorded these. However, care plan documentation, which was being updated, did not yet include enough detail or some tools which would help staff to carry out these assessments objectively. Staff were not always clear about the roles and responsibilities of other agencies such as the district nursing service.

Staff received training relevant to their role and to the values which underpin this service.

The mechanisms in place for managing risk were not as robust or effective as they might be.