22 March 2011
During a routine inspection
People told us staff usually respected their rights and involved them in the running of their home. For example, people told us staff always enabled them to express their views, respected their privacy and dignity, and usually allowed them do what they wanted.
The feedback we received about the opportunities people had to pursue their own social interests and hobbies was also very positive - 'I never get bored here', 'I can go to the shops when I want', 'the local priest comes to visit us once a week', and 'I like drawing, which I do all the time here'.
Typical feedback we received from people about the way staff meet the care needs was also very complimentary and included comments such as ' 'they (staff) look after us here', 'no complaints', 'I like most of the staff who work here', and 'staff always call the doctor out if I am unwell'.
Everyone we spoke to about the meals said they were generally happy with the quality of the food they were offered, although some expressed concern about a lack of real choice of hot meals at lunch time. Typical comments included - 'the food is lovely', 'the staff know what I like to eat', 'the foods alright here, although the same meals do tend to keep coming around after a while', and 'you get to choose what you want in the evening, but there's not much choice at lunchtime'.
People told us the home was always kept immaculately clean and tidy. All the communal areas and bedrooms we viewed looked clean and smelt fresh.
People said they were happy with their surroundings. Typical feedback included ' 'I like the way my bedroom is decorated', 'I've got everything I need in my room', and 'its always nice and warm here'.
People were very complimentary about the staff. Typical comments included ' 'there's always enough staff to look after us here', 'they (the staff) treat us pretty well', and 'staff are great here'they are always very polite and never talk down to you'.
It was evident from the feedback we received that people felt safe living at the home and were confident staff always took any concerns they had seriously. People told us - 'I've lived here a long time and have always felt safe', 'if I am not happy about something I'll always let the staff know and they will usually do something about it', and 'I can always get my point across to staff'they do listen to you here'.
It was also positively noted that all the staff we met during the course of the visit were observed knocking on peoples bedroom doors before entering and always interacting with everyone who lived there in a very kind, caring and respectful manner.