- Care home
Kolbe House
Assessment report published 11 September 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
About the service
Kolbe House is a ‘care home’ without nursing for up to 25 older people. There were 15 people living at the service at the time of our inspection. Kolbe House is run by a charitable organisation with a management committee that has oversight of the home and the care provided.
Who the service is for
Kolbe House is a residential care home for older people predominantly from the Polish community. The registered manager, deputy manager and staff spoke Polish. People were supported to maintain their links to the Polish community and culture.
Key findings
We carried out this assessment between 10 July 2026 and 5 August 2026. This service was previously rated as good. We carried out this assessment to confirm whether the rating of good remains accurate. This report does not provide detailed information on areas where we found practice continues to meet a good standard. Instead, our findings focus on any areas where the service needs to improve or where we found exceptional practice.
People can only be deprived of their liberty to receive care and treatment with appropriate legal authority. In care homes, this can be done through a procedure called the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), which is part of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). We checked whether the service was working within the principles of the MCA and how they managed DoLS within the service. We found that staff and management worked within the MCA principles. DoLS authorisations were appropriately applied for and overseen. People were not subject to unlawful or excessive restrictions, and they had choice, control and freedom over their lives.
Staff confirmed they had completed training on how the MCA affects the care and support provided to people. A staff member told us, “We always assume that a person has the capacity to make decisions until otherwise stated, we support them in making their own decisions, and we always act in their best interests when they are unable to decide on their own.”
Following an incident, accident or complaint an investigation was completed and the outcomes were shared with staff to identify any improvements which could be implemented. The provider followed processes to identify and report any safeguarding concerns to protect people from the risk of abuse. Staff confirmed they had completed training on safeguarding adults and children and demonstrated their understanding of how to protect people from the risk of abuse. Medicines were administered as prescribed and were managed safely. Staff told us they felt confident when they supported people with their medicines. Risks were identified and staff were provided with guidance on how to manage potential risks. The provider had a robust recruitment process, and staff were supported with regular supervision and team meetings. Staff told us they felt supported by senior staff and able to raise any questions with them. A staff member said, “[Senior staff] apply the ‘open door’ principle, you can always come to them with a question or problem, as well as talk on an ongoing basis during shared meals.”
Regular checks were carried out to ensure the environment of the home was safe. People’s support needs were identified, with care plans and risk assessments being regularly reviewed to ensure they reflected people’s current care needs. Staff completed a range of training
We saw staff provided care in a kind, caring and respectful manner. Staff understood people’s needs, preferences and wishes in relation to their care. Staff told us they supported people to be as independent as possible and make choices about their daily lives. A staff member commented, “I adapt the way I communicate to the way the person understands. I ask what is important to them, what makes them feel safe and comfortable. I support and respect the decisions made by the person, even if the choices are ill-considered.”
People were supported with their religious, cultural and spiritual needs with staff using people’s preferred language, providing the culturally appropriate meals they enjoyed and arranging visits to meet their religious needs.
Staff told us they felt the home was well managed and there was a shared culture of openness, kindness and support. A staff member told us, “The best thing about working at Kolbe House is that there is a real homely atmosphere. Residents feel at home here, they are treated with respect, kindness and care. I am glad that I can be part of a place where we care not only for the care needs of residents, but also for their well-being and sense of security.”
The provider had a range of audits in place to monitor the quality of the care provided. A healthcare professional, who worked closely with the home, told us, “The management and staff have been consistently professional, warm and supportive. Their communication is excellent. The staff demonstrate a deep knowledge of their residents. Information sharing is consistent and reliable which provided great reassurance that safe, person-centred care is delivered.”
People's experience of this service
People told us they felt safe living at the home and there were enough staff. Their comments included, “I am grateful I am here. [Staff] do everything that I need them to do and I feel safe. There is always a carer around, you don’t have to think that there might not be. I don’t need a lot of help, but some people here do, and they seem to be skilful with their care”, and “It’s very nice. I like it very much. I do have a call-bell and I do use it. They do come quickly if I use my call-bell.”
People confirmed staff supported them with their medicines, and they felt confident telling staff if they felt unwell with comments including, “The staff give me my medicines, yes, it is all done on time” and “If I wasn’t feeling well I would let one of the carers know. They are very good.”
People said the food was excellent with a person telling us, “We have a very good cook. They are trying to be very international with their cooking. We have sushi; yesterday we had French cuisine. I like it. There are plenty of drinks, we have coffee at 11am. You should try the Polish cheesecake, it is very good.”
Relatives told us, “[Family member] enjoys the food immensely and healthy delicious snacks are also offered. Very nice snack offerings of fruit, fruit teas and homemade cakes” and “[Our family member] has always praised the food especially as it caters for their cultural Polish palate.”
People stated staff were kind, caring, treated them with respect and maintained their dignity. People’s comments were, “The carers are very helpful and nice. We are treated with respect, of course. Everyone is kind and I think we are listened to”, “They are all good. I am treated well and with dignity” and “The carers are fantastic. Yes, they have time for us. Personal care is done well. They do my hair too; it isn’t done by a hairdresser.”
Relatives said the communication with staff about their family member was good. Their comments included, “Communication with me is outstanding. I feel well informed on any changes in my [family member’s] health”, “Communication is very good at every point” and “The management keep me very well informed of any developments or changes.”
Relatives confirmed staff worked closely with their family member’s GP and other healthcare professionals with staff accompanying people to medical appointments. A relative stated, “There is good liaison with the local GP, and we are kept fully informed of any medical matters relating to our [family member].”
People explained they were encouraged to be as independent as possible including visiting the local community and accessing the garden. One person told us they went out to various activities in the community and another person said, “I go to the garden every day. It is my choice. I feel supported and free to do what I want, within reason, of course!”
Relatives told us they felt the home was well run, and they felt welcomed by the staff when they visited their family member. Their comments included, “This care home is exceptionally well run. I feel very lucky to have found it. [Family member] is happy and settled and every visit we can enjoy each other’s company in a warm and welcoming environment. I could not wish for a nicer place for [family member] to live. It is the staff and management which make Kolbe House a model of what a care home should be” and “The staff are extremely professional, the care home is calm and the atmosphere is friendly. Apart from first-hand experience, I have heard excellent feedback from friends whose loved ones lived at Kolbe House.”