Redstacks

On this page

• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

Effective – this means we looked for evidence that people’s care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life, based on best available evidence. At our last assessment we rated this key question requires improvement. At this assessment the rating has changed to good. This meant people’s outcomes were consistently good, and people’s feedback confirmed this.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

The provider made sure people’s care and treatment was effective by assessing and reviewing their health, care, wellbeing and communication needs with them.

Assessments were thorough and informed all aspects of care planning. Staff used observations and family input to maintain up‑to‑date guidance. A staff member told us, “We get to know people really well because it’s a small home.” People’s needs relating to cognitive impairment, mental capacity and communication were also assessed, with those lacking capacity supported through decision‑specific assessments and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) where needed.

The provider planned and delivered people’s care and treatment with them, including what was important and mattered to them. They did this in line with legislation and current evidence-based good practice and standards.

Staff delivered care in line with evidence-based guidance, particularly in relation to nutrition, pressure area care and dysphagia support. People at risk of malnutrition had food-first strategies, enriched diets, and involvement from dietitians. Care plans included specific guidance for those requiring texture-modified diets and thickened fluids, and staff were observed preparing appropriate meals and offering support calmly at mealtimes.

Clinical guidance from district nurses and speech and language therapists was followed, with regular monitoring and prompt referrals where concerns were identified. For example, one person who had recently been admitted following an operation had clear wound care instructions, pressure-relief measures and emotional support plans in place.

The provider worked well across teams and services to support people. They made sure people only needed to tell their story once by sharing their assessment of needs when people moved between different services.

Staff worked well together as a cohesive and skilled team. Handovers were structured, communication across shifts was strong, and senior staff were visible and supportive. Staff described a collaborative culture where ‘everyone helps one another’. We observed warm, respectful interactions with a consistent team awareness of people’s current needs. The home had positive relationships with external professionals including district nurses, GPs and specialist services. Families said the service contacted health professionals promptly and always kept them informed.

The provider supported people to manage their health and wellbeing to maximise their independence, choice and control. Staff supported people to live healthier lives and where possible, reduce their future needs for care and support.

People were supported to maintain their health, independence and daily routines as much as possible. Staff encouraged mobility where appropriate, assisted people to attend health appointments and monitored long‑term conditions such as heart disease, hypertension and pressure risk. Lifestyle choices such as dietary preferences, routines, and personal hobbies were reflected in care plans and in practice. People who needed additional emotional support, such as those experiencing recent health changes or bereavement, had tailored support documented.

The provider routinely monitored people’s care and treatment to continuously improve it. They ensured that outcomes were positive and consistent, and that they met both clinical expectations and the expectations of people themselves.

The service monitored people’s outcomes through regular reviews, audits and assessments. Weight monitoring, and other assessments, wound charts and positional changes were routinely recorded and acted upon. Staff used this information to identify emerging risks such as weight loss or skin deterioration and made timely referrals to professionals when needed.

The provider told people about their rights around consent and respected these when delivering person-centred care and treatment.

Staff sought consent appropriately and supported people to make choices about daily living. Care plans clearly documented where people had capacity to make decisions, and staff were observed offering choices during personal care, mealtimes and daily routines. Where people lacked capacity, decision‑specific mental capacity assessments and best interest decisions were completed. Staff always acted in the least restrictive way.