Alzheimer’s Support’s one to one Support at Home service, already in line for a top national award, has been given a glowing report from the UK’s care watchdog.

The service has scored good outcomes across all measures following a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission, who found Support at Home to be safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

The service, used by more than 240 people living with dementia in Wiltshire, involves visits at home or trips out with one of Alzheimer’s  Support’s 56 trained support workers. The visits last at least two hours. Family carers told the CQC inspectors: “The staff are very caring ” and “I have no worries at all. I am absolutely sure my relative is safe with them.”

The report said that people using the service were treated with dignity and respect, and that support was as the person expected and given at a suitable pace.  Staff told the inspectors:  “You become like a personal friend, some people I've been seeing for years,” and “I treat people like I'd like my mother to be treated.”

The report went on: “The provider valued their staff team and ensured opportunities were available to further develop staff. Staff praised the team work, good communication and ways their contribution was recognised. Staff told us they felt listened to and respected.”

Alzheimer’s Support CEO Babs Harris said: “We are very proud of our Support at Home service and it is gratifying  to have our strengths recognised by inspectors. We were especially pleased to read the comments from the families we support and from our staff.” 

The full report is available on the CQC website and Alzheimer’s Support’s website www.alzheimerswiltshire.org.uk.

Support at Home is a finalist in the Best Team category of the national Dementia Care Awards – the only home support service among the finalists. Staff will find out in November if they have won the top award.