Benson House Care Home

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 Good. At this assessment the rating has remained 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 prior to them moving into the home to ensure these could be met safely. People and their relatives where appropriate had been involved in planning their care and reviews.

People’s care records were person centred. An assessment of people’s needs included communication, health, emotional and mobility. People had regular check-ups with health and social care professionals to support them to achieve positive outcomes.

Staff demonstrated a good knowledge of people’s needs and told us they were kept up to date about any changes. One staff member told us, “Any changes are explained during handover. Communication is good.”

Care plans were regularly reviewed to ensure they reflected any changes in people’s needs or preferences.

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.

The provider used recognised assessment tools to help determine the most appropriate care and treatment people required.

People’s dietary needs and preferences were recorded in their care plan and staff were knowledgeable about people’s dietary needs.

Food was home cooked on the premises, kitchen staff prepared the right food and drinks for people, whilst also considering people’s preferences and choices. People were able to choose what they wanted to eat from the menu. People told us they enjoyed the food. One person said, “On the whole, the food is good.”

We observed people having lunch in the dining room and found the mealtime experience was relaxed. Staff asked each person individually what they would like to eat, and some people were shown the meals to help them make their choice. For people who required assistance with eating, staff provided this to people in a dignified and unhurried way.

The provider worked well across teams and services to support people. People’s assessments and needs were shared with professionals when they moved between services.

Visiting professionals, GPs and therapists provided information and guidance for staff which was recorded in people’s care plans. Staff maintained a record of their visit and outcomes.

People told us they had access to external health and social care resources such as dentists and opticians.

The provider supported people to manage their health and well-being 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.

We observed staff supporting people to manage their health and well-being. Staff encouraged people to spend time in communal areas engaging with other people, to help support their emotional well-being. The provider employed activity staff to help facilitate and deliver a range of activities for people throughout the week, including weekends.

The provider ensured relevant referrals were made when there may be underlying health issues that needed additional support.

People’s care and treatment was routinely monitored to help ensure needs were met and care could be improved. Outcomes for people were consistent and met their expectations. The provider ensured outcomes were positive and consistent, and that they met both clinical expectations and the expectations of people themselves.

People and relatives were happy with the service provided, and felt staff monitored people’s needs well. One person said, “I like this place; it has given me my life back”

People were supported to have control over day-to-day choices. Staff were patient with people, giving them time to make their own choices. People and families were involved in core decisions about their care.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) provides a legal framework for making particular decisions on behalf of people who may lack the mental capacity to do so for themselves. Staff had received training regarding the MCA and policies were in line with the principles of the MCA.

People told us staff always sought their consent before supporting them. One person told us, “‘I like the carers [staff], they listen to you and take note of what you ask for and like.”