Clarity Homecare received a Good rating across all five key questions at its first CQC inspection in August 2019, with people and relatives consistently praising the caring, person-centred approach of the registered manager and staff. No failures, breaches of regulation or areas requiring improvement were identified.
Strengths
· People and relatives consistently reported feeling safe and well-supported by regular, punctual staff
· Robust recruitment practices including DBS checks, reference checks and employment history verification
· Holistic, person-centred care planning co-produced with people and their relatives from the outset
· Registered manager is a qualified nurse who mentored staff daily, promoting high standards and open communication
· Effective multi-disciplinary working with GPs, community nurses and occupational therapists to deliver joined-up care
Quality-Statement breakdown (22)
safe: Systems and processes to safeguard people from the risk of abuseGood
safe: Assessing risk, safety monitoring and managementGood
safe: Staffing and recruitmentGood
safe: Using medicines safelyGood
safe: Preventing and controlling infectionGood
safe: Learning lessons when things go wrongGood
effective: Assessing people's needs and choices; delivering care in line with standards, guidance and the lawGood
effective: Staff support: induction, training, skills and experienceGood
effective: Supporting people to eat and drink enough to maintain a balanced dietGood
effective: Supporting people to live healthier lives, access healthcare services and supportGood
effective: Ensuring consent to care and treatment in line with law and guidanceGood
caring: Ensuring people are well treated and supported; respecting equality and diversityGood
caring: Supporting people to express their views and be involved in making decisions about their careGood
caring: Respecting and promoting people's privacy, dignity and independenceGood
responsive: Planning personalised care to ensure people have choice and control and to meet their needs and preferencesGood
responsive: Meeting people's communication needsGood
responsive: Improving care quality in response to complaints or concernsGood
responsive: End of life care and supportGood
well-led: Promoting a positive culture that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empoweringGood
well-led: Managers and staff being clear about their roles, and understanding quality performance, risks and regulatory requirementsGood
well-led: Engaging and involving people using the service, the public and staffGood
well-led: Continuous learning and improving care; Working in partnership with othersGood
Clarity Homecare received a Good rating across both inspected key questions (Safe and Well-led) following a focused inspection triggered by concerns about staffing and care quality, with no evidence of harm found. The service demonstrated safe recruitment, effective safeguarding processes, transparent leadership, and a positive person-centred culture, with only a minor gap in care plan clarity promptly addressed during inspection.
Concerns (1)
minorCare planning: “Some people's health needs were identified but not explained clearly. We discussed with the registered manager making the assessments clearer for staff.”
Strengths
· People felt safe and reported positive experiences; staff recognised signs of abuse and reported concerns appropriately.
· Safe recruitment practices including full employment history checks, references, and DBS checks for all new staff.
· Sufficient staffing levels with regular staff arriving on time and building good relationships with people.
· Medicines management was safe, with clear care plan guidance, risk assessments, and staff competency checks.
· Staff wore PPE and were up to date with infection prevention and control training.