Council’s Domiciliary Support Service praised in CIW inspection report

Denbighshire County Council’s Domiciliary Support Service was praised in its most recent Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) inspection, which took place in late August of last year.

The previous inspection took place in 2023.

The report summary findings praised the council’s personalised approach, stating that “people experience excellent wellbeing outcomes” and that “support staff deliver very good care and support which promotes rehabilitation, independence, social connections, and community engagement.”

When inspecting, CIW considered three themes, Well-being, Care and Support and Leadership and Management, which saw a score of ‘excellent’, ‘good’ and ‘good’, respectively.

The report summary recognised that “people access services to support all areas of their health and wellbeing” as well as highlighting the service’s management and leadership approach, stating that “the leadership and management of the service is good”. It went on to say that “all team members work collaboratively internally and with external stakeholders to enhance the wellbeing of the people they support.”

In relation to Well-being, the service was rated as ‘excellent’. The report stated that “people receive highly individualised support” and they “have an extremely strong voice and lead on what support they want and how this needs to be delivered on a day-to-day basis to meet their personal outcomes and goals.”

The report commended the service’s individualised support, noting that the Inspectorate staff “saw care staff go above and beyond to enhance the lives of the people they support” which “contributes to people consistently experiencing positive wellbeing outcomes.”

It further highlighted that “people speak positively about the service and very highly of the care staff who support them.”

In relation to Care and Support, when considering the service’s approach to personal care plans it stated that the records of care were “professionally written, and reflective of the support specified within personal plans.”

The report praised the service’s safeguarding knowledge and collaboration with other services, stating “the provider works collaboratively with health professionals, social care professionals and housing providers to support people with all aspects of their daily lives. Professionals we spoke with were positive about working relationships with the provider.”

It also said that “care staff speak positively about the work they do, taking genuine satisfaction in helping people achieve their goals.”

The final theme was Leadership and Management. The report praised the work of the management staff, and stated that “senior staff and deputy managers oversee each of the support teams, making sure there are sufficient care staff, support is appropriately scheduled and there are points of contact for guidance.”

The inspectorate reported that “care staff told us staffing is sufficient, so they do not have to rush when supporting people.”

The service’s development approach was also highlighted, stating “the provider is committed to developing the service by exploring areas such as equality and diversity, assistive technology, and emerging best practice.”

Councillor Elen Heaton, Lead Member for Health and Social Care said:

“It’s fantastic to see our domiciliary care team recognised by CIW for going above and beyond to make a real difference to the everyday lives of Denbighshire residents.

This service is all about supporting people to live well, stay independent and remain connected to their communities. This inspection report is really positive, and a credit to the skill and dedication of our staff who deliver person-centred care with dignity and respect every single day.”

The report can be viewed here: https://digital.careinspectorate.wales/directory/service/SIN-00009249-RFGK