The Old Rectory Care Home

On this page

• Overview
• Kindness, compassion and dignity
• Treating people as individuals
• Independence, choice and control
• Responding to people’s immediate needs
• Workforce wellbeing and enablement

Caring – this means we looked for evidence that the provider involved people and treated them with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.

At our last assessment we rated this key question good. At this assessment the rating has remained good. This meant people were supported and treated with dignity and respect; and involved as partners in their care.

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 always treated people with kindness, empathy and compassion and respected their privacy and dignity. Staff treated colleagues from other organisations with kindness and respect.

People confirmed their privacy and dignity were respected when they were supported with personal care and told us they were happy with the care they received. Comments included, “The staff are very caring,” and “Staff treat us with respect, they are always there to help.”

Staff spoke with care and compassion about the people they support. One staff member told us, “Every resident is like an extension of my family, loved and cared for.”

We observed staff demonstrating genuine warmth and attentiveness. Staff took time to engage personally with individuals, offering reassurance, compliments, and affection that was responded to positively. For example, taking a moment to give someone a hug and inform them they were leaving but would return the next day.

The provider treated people as individuals and made sure people’s care, support and treatment met people’s needs and preferences. They took account of people’s strengths, abilities, aspirations, culture and unique backgrounds and protected characteristics.

One person explained how they do whatever they like on a daily basis. Some people chose to help with tasks around the home, for example, one person liked to set the tables. Staff and management supported this. The registered manager told us, “It lets them feel valued.”

Care records included detailed information on people’s life history which enabled staff to build meaningful relationships with people and tailor support to individual preferences.

Relatives and people spoke positively of the care they received with some exceptions. One relative told us, “They [staff] would rather put [name] in a wheelchair instead of supporting her with a walking frame or stick. I think this would make her mobility decline.” In contrast, another relative told us, “[Name] is supported by staff to get around with a walker.”

The provider promoted people’s independence, so people knew their rights and had choice and control over their own care, treatment and wellbeing.

People had a choice. One person told us, “I get up when I want to, and I choose what I want to wear.”

Staff understood the importance of promoting independence. One staff member told us, “It’s all about building relationships and encouraging each resident to do as much as they can, as much as they want. It’s about giving time and not rushing.”

We observed staff offering assistance with meals when it appeared people needed support. One person declined, the staff member respected their choice while reassuring them that help was available if they changed their mind.

The provider listened to and understood people’s needs, views and wishes. Staff responded to people’s needs in the moment and acted to minimise any discomfort, concern or distress.

People did not have to wait long if they wanted support from staff. We observed staff to be visible and attentive to people’s needs throughout the inspection.

Relatives were complimentary about the support staff provided. One relative told us, “I have seen staff comfort residents on many occasions” another said, “The staff and manager are approachable. I would recommend the home.”

One healthcare professional told us staff were quick to respond to identified concerns. They said “They [staff] are cautious which I like. If they see something they call us in which is great. They don’t wait till say a resident’s skin has broken down, they act straight away so things get sorted. They are more about prevention which is really good.”

The provider cared about and promoted the wellbeing of their staff, and supported and enabled staff to always deliver person-centred care.

Senior carers were supported to improve their skills and knowledge by being given the opportunity to spend time in the office to learn from the manager.

Staff told us they felt supported by the manager and explained they are always there if needed.

The registered manager prioritised staff wellbeing by accommodating personal commitments in shift rotas and regularly expressing appreciation, including purchasing Christmas gifts and recognising staff who go above and beyond.