- Care home
Drakelow House Residential Home
Assessment report published 26 July 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
About the service
Drakelow House Residential Home is a care home. The service can support up to 18 people and at the time of our visit were supporting 9 people. Support was provided across 2 floors with a range of shared communal spaces. There were communal gardens around the building, which were accessible for people.
Who the service is for
This service supports older people living in a care home setting.
Key findings
We carried out this assessment on 6 and 9 July 2026. This service was previously rated as good. We carried out this assessment to confirm whether the rating of good remains accurate.
People can only be deprived of their liberty to receive care and treatment with appropriate legal authority. In care homes, this can be achieved through the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), which form part of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). We checked whether the service was working within the principles of the MCA and how it managed DoLS. We found that staff and managers worked within the principles of the MCA. DoLS applications were made appropriately when required and were effectively monitored. People were not subject to unlawful or unnecessary restrictions and had choice, control and freedom over their lives. At the time of our visit, no DoLS authorisations were required.
Processes were in place to ensure learning from incidents and to reduce future risks. People told us they felt safe. Risks were assessed and action was taken to mitigate them, although we identified some minor gaps in how risks were assessed. We raised these with the deputy manager, who took prompt action to address them. The home was clean, tidy and homely. Appropriate safety checks and maintenance were completed, although there were some small outstanding actions. We requested these be addressed at the earliest opportunity.
There was a consistent and stable staff team supporting people. People generally felt there were enough staff available, with one person commenting, “There always seems to be enough staff.” Staff were recruited safely and had access to appropriate training, supervision and support.
Systems for the oversight of medicines and record-keeping were not always fully robust. However, people received their medicines as prescribed, and those who were able, were supported to manage their own medicines independently.
People’s needs were assessed, and care plans were implemented and reviewed regularly. When assessing new referrals, the provider considered the needs of people already living at the home to ensure compatibility and appropriate support could be provided. Staff knew people well and were able to identify changes in their needs quickly and take appropriate action. Staff worked closely with a range of healthcare professionals to support positive outcomes for people. Further work was required to ensure records consistently reflected the care and support provided, in order for any changes to be more closely monitored. People were asked for their consent before support was provided.
Care staff were described as kind and caring, and we observed people making their own decisions, which were respected by staff. People were encouraged to remain as independent as possible and to do as much for themselves as they could.
Staff knew people well and engaged them in positive and meaningful conversations, including discussions about their life histories, interests and preferences. Care was personalised to meet people’s individual needs. However, staff undertook a variety of roles, including cooking and domestic duties, and some people told us they would like more opportunities for activities and social engagement within the home. People were supported to access the services they needed, and the home arranged visits from a range of healthcare professionals, including chiropodists, opticians and GPs.
Staff worked closely with the management team and demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement. We identified some areas where governance and oversight systems could be strengthened. The deputy manager was receptive to feedback and took prompt steps to address the matters raised.
People's experience of this service
People appeared well cared for and spoke positively about the care they received. One person told us, “I'm well looked after; there's always someone here to look after me. They check on you at night.”
People spoke very positively about most of the staff team. One person told us, “The staff are caring, kind and flexible. I know the staff well.” Another person commented, “Staff are approachable. I would talk to them about anything.” A family member shared, “The staff are kind and patient, even when a resident is difficult. I am comfortable talking to the staff.”
People told us staff were readily available to provide support when needed. One person commented, “I'm safe because there is always someone to help. They are quick to respond; I've never known anyone to be left waiting.”
People enjoyed calm mealtime experiences, and staff prepared meals based on people's preferences. One person told us, “I'm happy with the food. I rarely grumble. They know my likes. We're having salad today and they know I like this.” Throughout the day, people were offered plenty to eat and drink.
People told us staff were respectful and encouraged them to make decisions about their daily lives. We observed that people were supported to maintain their independence and were encouraged to do as much for themselves as possible, with assistance available whenever required.
The staff team worked to provide activities and mental stimulation as part of their daily duties. However, some people felt they would like more opportunities for meaningful activity and social engagement. One relative commented, “[Family member] is very happy here, but I would like to see them do a little more, such as getting out into the community.”
People and their families knew the registered manager and had developed positive working relationships with the deputy manager. People told us they felt able to raise concerns and were confident that action would be taken where necessary. One person told us, “I think the home is great. I've never had any complaints.” Another person said, “I've never needed to complain, but any issues would be sorted out quickly.”
Families told us communication was good and that they were kept informed about any concerns regarding their relatives. One family member said, “I'm kept informed weekly.”