We found significant strengths in aspects of the care provided, supporting positive outcomes for people. Therefore, we evaluated this key question as very good.
Quality Indicator 1.3: People’s health and wellbeing benefits from their care and support
The home employed a multidisciplinary staff team, including nurses, a physiotherapist, and an occupational therapist. This team ensured that personal plans included thorough assessments of people’s health needs. Referrals were made to other professionals when required, including speech and language therapists, and there was effective use of communication support tools in the home. All elements of people’s needs were considered, including their physical, wellbeing, and communication support needs. Robust quality assurance systems were in place, ensuring that plans were reviewed and monitored regularly to reflect people’s needs.
Medication recording was managed well, and the system alerted the clinical lead to any issues or missed medications. The clinical lead could use this information to assess if medication reviews were necessary. The home practiced safe moving and assisting, supported by in-house training and monitored regularly. Staff were observed and provided feedback on performance to ensure they could meet high standards of care and support.
People were encouraged to direct aspects of their own care where possible. There were excellent examples of people receiving personalized care, including choosing their preferred support team. One resident remarked, “The staff couldn’t do any more for you,” and family members reported satisfaction with the care provided. This ensured that people received the right level of care to meet their needs.
The home employed activities workers and recently added two befriender roles. Residents noticed the positive impact of the expanded team, enjoying a wide range of activities both in the home and the community. Individuals attended events such as the cinema, museums, and nightclubs, while activities in the home included regular chair exercises and opportunities to use outdoor spaces, meeting residents’ needs for stimulation and social interaction.
End-of-life care was managed in line with the needs and wishes of the person and their family. Anticipatory care plans were in place for those who wished to discuss end-of-life care in advance, supported by booklets for these conversations. When people reached the end of life, the management team revisited these discussions to ensure care aligned with their wishes.
Staff understood how to support people lacking capacity to make decisions, with appropriate support for decision-making, including proxy decision-making where legal powers were in place.
The service balanced people’s rights and safety, with a positive approach to managing risks. Systems were in place to monitor care, including checks on pressure ulcers, falls, and medication, demonstrating the home’s success in maintaining people’s health. Monitoring systems also helped detect and address any emerging issues.
People benefited from access to a tasty, varied, and well-balanced diet, with meals, snacks, and drinks reflecting cultural and dietary preferences. Staff shared information when changes in eating or drinking habits were noticed. Although a few residents suggested larger portions or more variety, most expressed satisfaction with the meals. Residents enjoyed their meals in a relaxed atmosphere, with a wide range of aids and appropriate support to meet their needs. Adjustments to staffing also provided additional support for eating, ensuring residents were supported to eat well with options that suited them.