CQC Rates Teesside Homecare Service as Outstanding

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has upgraded the rating of Creative Support – Teesside Services in Stockton-on-Tees from Good to Outstanding following an inspection carried out in March and April.

The service, operated by Creative Support Limited, provides personal care to people with learning disabilities, autistic people and people with physical disabilities living in their own homes.

The inspection formed part of CQC’s routine monitoring of adult social care services.

Following the inspection, the service was rated Outstanding for being Caring, Effective, Responsive and Well-led, while Safe was rated Good.

Person-Centred Care Recognised

Inspectors found staff consistently delivered personalised care that reflected people’s individual interests, preferences and goals.

Care and support were tailored to each person’s needs, with one individual being matched with a support worker who shared their passion for football, enabling them to attend matches together. Another person who had previously been at risk of falls was supported to shower safely, helping them maintain both their independence and confidence.

People also received support to take part in activities that reduced social isolation, including attending local craft sessions and community groups.

Positive Feedback from People and Families

People using the service spoke highly of both staff and the leadership team, describing positive relationships built on kindness, respect and trust.

Relatives also provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, saying staff listened to their views, welcomed suggestions and had helped their loved ones become more independent and confident.

Inspectors found staff understood each person’s preferred communication methods, helping to reduce frustration and ensure people remained fully involved in decisions about their care.

Supporting Health and Independence

The service placed a strong emphasis on promoting healthier lifestyles and supporting people to achieve their personal goals.

People used personalised calendars to help plan health appointments, monitor medical conditions and work towards individual wellbeing objectives. Inspectors found this approach gave people a genuine sense of achievement as they reached their goals.

Staff also worked closely with health and social care professionals to ensure people’s wider physical, emotional and social needs were met.

Strong Leadership and Continuous Improvement

CQC found leaders had created a positive, inclusive culture where people were treated with dignity and encouraged to make their own choices wherever possible.

Inspectors also found staff had a clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and that leaders actively reviewed incidents and feedback to identify learning and continuously improve the quality of care.

The regulator said the findings demonstrate how person-centred care, strong leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement can empower people to live fulfilling, independent lives within their own communities.

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