Kirkstall Court

On this page

• Overview
• Person-centred Care
• Care provision, Integration and continuity
• Providing Information
• Listening to and involving people
• Equity in access
• Equity in experiences and outcomes
• Planning for the future

Responsive – this means we looked for evidence that the provider met people’s needs.

At our last assessment we rated this key question good. At this assessment the rating has remained good. This meant people’s needs were met through good organisation and delivery.

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 were at the centre of their care and treatment choices and they decided, in partnership with people, how to respond to any relevant changes in people’s needs.

People experienced care that reflected their personal preferences, routines and abilities. Care plans were detailed and centred around people's needs. Staff knew people well, supported independence where possible and used calm, reassuring approaches.

People and relatives consistently told us staff were kind and attentive. One person told us, “I enjoy it here. It is well run.”

The provider understood the diverse health and care needs of people and their local communities, so care was joined-up, flexible and supported choice and continuity.

People received coordinated support that met their care and health needs. Staff worked with GPs, district nurses, speech and language therapists and social workers. Referrals were made promptly when people’s needs changed.

The provider supplied appropriate, accurate and up-to-date information in formats that were tailored to individual needs.

People’s communication needs were assessed and care plans put in place to ensure staff knew how to support people with their communication needs.

Staff explained tasks clearly, and the management team were accessible when relatives sought updates or clarification. Relatives described staff as responsive when contacted.

Some relatives commented on the need for more proactive updates, particularly following hospital visits or changes in needs. The registered manager acknowledged this feedback and told us they would introduce reflective practice with staff to improve the consistency and recording of information shared with relatives.

The provider made it easy for people to share feedback and ideas, or raise complaints about their care, treatment and support. Staff involved people in decisions about their care and told them what had changed as a result.

People told us staff listened to them and respected their choices, including decisions about food, routines and activities. Staff responded to people’s verbal and non-verbal cues, offering reassurance when people expressed distress or frustration.

Relatives said they felt comfortable raising concerns and that staff acted on them. One relative told us, “I just ring [name of registered manager]. Things change when I raise them.”

The provider made sure that people could access the care, support and treatment they needed when they needed it.

People were supported to access health appointments, community activities and daily routines that mattered to them. Some people told us they could go out frequently with support, and staff encouraged individuals to maintain independence where possible.

Staff and leaders actively listened to information about people who are most likely to experience inequality in experience or outcomes and tailored their care, support and treatment in response to this.

People were treated fairly and with respect. People experienced positive outcomes, including improved nutrition, confidence and engagement. One relative told us staff were “so good, nothing is ever too much for them.”

We found no evidence of discrimination. Relatives described equal treatment and staff showed understanding of people’s backgrounds and needs. Healthcare professionals confirmed the service was receptive to advice and worked collaboratively to improve outcomes.

People were supported to plan for important life changes, so they could have enough time to make informed decisions about their future, including at the end of their life.

People were supported to plan for future goals, including transitions to more independent settings, where appropriate. Staff worked with social workers, relatives and healthcare professionals to assess skills, identify risks and build independence, for example by supporting people to cook, manage laundry and build routines before moving on.