We spoke with six people who use the service, four relatives and nine staff. People who were able to share their experiences of living at Danesford Grange were overall positive about the care that they receive and considered that their privacy and dignity is upheld. They told us that 'staff are very nice' and that 'the food is lovely'. People said that they were happy with their rooms and that these were comfortable. People considered that they are involved in their care and decisions affecting them. Most people told us that they enjoy their meals although observations evidenced that there are not enough staff to support people who require assistance with eating. Many people expressed concern about staffing levels and this was also reflected in discussions we had with two visitors and four staff. We were told that on occasions people can be left unsupervised in the lounges for long periods of time because staff are busy seeing to the needs of other people living at the home.
People were very positive about the manager/matron. They told us, 'The matron always tells us what's going on'. 'She is lovely'. 'I like the matron; she is the best you can get'. 'She definitely believes in good quality care'.
Two visitors told us that their relative 'always looks immaculate' every time they visit and that when they visit they are always made welcome. They told us that they had been fully involved in the assessment and admission process of their relative and stated, 'It's the best hotel he could be in'. They reported that the home is kept beautifully clean and their relative's room is always kept neat and tidy. Other people we spoke with said they were happy with the care their relative receives.
Staff told us that they enjoy working at the home and that they are provided with many training opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge. They told us that the care plans are reflective of people's individual needs and provided good examples of how they promote privacy and dignity. Staff were positive about their work. Comments include: 'The level of care here is very good and we try to involve the resident's as much as possible in their care'. 'I always treat people as I would like to be treated, the care is good'. 'I love working here; I feel part of a family'. 'It's a good place to work'.
Shropshire Local Involvement Network (LINk) visited the home on 25 March 2011. LINk is made up of individuals, community groups and voluntary organisations with an interest in improving health and social care services. They told us that the level of care is high and staff had a high level of commitment and were cheerful and respectful when dealing with the people using the service. They said discussions held with people living at the home evidence they were satisfied with the accommodation and care they were receiving. They commented, 'While assurances were given that every effort is made to maintain a clean environment it was noted that many of the carpets were worn or discoloured and that, in some areas, plasterwork and ceiling tiles were in need of attention. This was acknowledged and an assurance was given that the necessary improvements would be carried out as soon as funds became available'.