Benton House

Updated 24 January 2024

Benton House is residential care home which provides accommodation and personal and nursing care for up 34 people. At the time of our inspection there were 29 people living in Benton House. The rating at the last inspection in March 2018 was Good. At this inspection, we found that the service remained Good. The inspection team consisted of an inspector and an Expert By Experience. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service. This provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. At the time of our inspection there was registered manager in post. People who lived in Benton House were safe. There were arrangements in place to keep people safe and to help safeguard people from the risk of abuse. Staff understood their responsibilities for safeguarding people from harm and followed the registered provider's policies and procedures. Staff were recruited safely and there were sufficient trained staff on duty to meet people’s needs. People had their needs assessed and risks reviewed regularly and staff told us they aimed to involve people in their care and built a good working relationships with them. Staff supported people to maintain their independence, choice and control. Staff told us that as they got to know people they use that detailed knowledge to maintain and support people’s independence, choice and control. People's needs were recognised by staff and local health professionals in engaged in their care and support.

Updated 24 January 2024

We spoke to 9 people who lived at Benton House and 4 family members who were visiting relatives on the day of inspection. People engaged very positively which gave an insight to their happiness and satisfaction with their care. Family members were knowledgeable about the needs of their loved ones and spoke freely about the service they received. People told they felt safe and well cared for. We observed interactions between people who lived at the service and the staff. People appeared to be relaxed and comfortable with all staff members. It was evident that staff were very knowledgeable about each person and treated them as individuals. Relative’s told us staff were very attentive and never walked past the room without checking on their loved one, ”Even when we are here, they still pop their heads around the door to make sure things are ok.” We asked people if they thought the staff were good. One person, with a very big smile and genuine enthusiasm, told us, “Amazing. Absolutely excellent.” When we asked people about the food, one person said, ”Out of this world. I love it, I love it, I love it”. Family members all felt that their loved ones were treated as individuals. One person told us, ”I really feel that they want to get to know my loved one. I can see them listening to him and making time for him.” Staff supported people with hand hygiene as they sat down for lunch. We saw people were offered choices by staff who showed sample plates of each meal option. People chose where they wanted to sit and those who were eating appeared to enjoy their food. The portion sizes were generous and the food looked appetizing with little waste. We observed people to be calm and content. People were able to access outside spaces safely. Although there were no ’formal’ activities taking place, staff were seen to be spending time talking, laughing and engaging with people.