The Care Quality Commission

Archived: Egalite

3 Field Row, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 1TD (01903) 214498

Provided and run by:
Egalite Care Limited

Important: This service is now registered at a different address - see new profile

All Inspections

24 October 2013

During a routine inspection

We met more than a dozen members of staff during the inspection and talked to five in depth. We also met with seven people who used the services, both in a supported living setting and in a family home. We spoke separately to the parents of two people and both expressed relief to have found a service with which they could be confident. One relative of a person who had moved into supported living accommodation said everyone had benefited and the service had given the family a sense of 'peace'. Another relative explained how, 'after 40 years of looking after a loved one', it was difficult to trust others at first and 'to let go', but the careful and sensitive transition into the service allowed the family to build up their confidence so that they could return to a more balanced life.

The registered manager was on holiday at the time of our inspection, but the manager in charge and team leaders were providing highly effective leadership and management with open communications, strong support and significant experience. The support workers were clear about their role and purpose and were providing a high quality of care, whilst enabling people to lead more meaningful lives. Administrative colleagues were efficient and helpful and all staff where passionate about their work and committed to providing effective services for people in their care. We also met with the private landlord who the provider had fully engaged in the planning, provision, adaption and development of the supported living accommodation for the benefit and care of the people using the service.

We found that the paperwork was in order and staff made good use of daily notes and summaries. There were systems, such as audits, surveys and a complaints process to monitor standards and to maintain quality. Work was underway to review and update policies to meet the changing needs of a growing service.

13 February 2013

During a routine inspection

We made appointments and visited four people who use the service and we spoke with a relative by phone. In addition we spoke with two members of care staff, two administration staff and the registered manager. People said that the agency had carried out an assessment of their needs to ensure that they could meet them before a service was provided. They told us that the agency had involved them or their relatives in the process.

People using the service told us they were happy with the service provided. One person who used the service said "if it wasn't for the carers we wouldn't be able to live here.' They showed us that they had been involved in the assessment and care planning process which meant care staff supported them in a way they preferred.

The service responded to people's changing needs and wishes. We were told the service was "extremely responsive at short notice and will change care times and meet individual needs and requests.'

People told us the agency arranged staffing so that they received care and support from a small team of care staff. They always knew who was attending to them. Staff told them if there was any delay to their visits.

One person said that the 'manager knows me well, they always look after me.' Feedback from a relative said 'I wish I had found this agency years ago, it has been by far the best in understanding learning disability needs and supporting people to be independent in their own homes.'