2 December 2011
During a routine inspection
Without exception carers told us that they receive excellent support from staff. We were told, 'I can pick up the phone and ask anything, if I need advice,' and 'They visit a lot and will come and see me if I need anything.'
Carers also told us that they have built up good relationships with other carers and that they would meet up or telephone each other. This informal support network appeared to be highly valued by those we spoke to. Carers confirmed that staff conduct monitoring visits and that they have an annual review which looks at the quality of the support they are providing.
People using the service told us that they were happy with their carer, talked about their social lives and their plans for Christmas. During our discussions with carers and people in placements it was clear that the service is extremely personalised and that good matching takes place. We saw that there was a warm, comfortable and relaxed relationship between people who use the service, carers and their family. Natural friendships had also developed between people in placements, such as during periods of respite.