Archived: The Boyne Residential Care Home

People told us they were being cared for at the home. We observed people were dressed to reflect individuality and were encouraged to maintain as much independence as they were able, with staff available to provide help and support when required. One person said, 'no-one ever tells you what to do, they make sure everything is ok'. A healthcare professional told us they thought it was 'a well-run home'.

Safeguarding procedures were in place and people and their visitors said they were confident to raise any concerns they may have. One person said, 'you don't have to suffer in silence, you don't bottle it up, you get it out.'

Overall the environment was in good order and prompt action was taken to address any maintenance issues identified. People were able to move around freely in the home in a safe environment.

Staff received the training they required to keep their knowledge and skills up to date. Staff demonstrated a good understanding of working with people with a variety of dementia care needs. When asked what the best thing about the home was, staff answered that the people who live there were, with one saying, 'it makes my day to come and care for them'.

Systems were in place to monitor the service and obtain feedback from people using the service and their relatives, with action being taken to address any concerns identified.

People said they were able to make choices for themselves. One person said of the staff, 'they listen to you and are so patient'. Another person told us, 'they help, they listen, they keep us nice and clean'. One person explained that should staff notice they had spilt something on their clothing, they would tell them 'in a very nice way'.

People and their representatives were involved in discussions about their care and treatment and were happy with the care they received. If people were no longer able to make decisions for themselves, representatives with power of attorney were involved in making best interest decisions on their behalf.

Medications were being well managed at the home and processes were in place to monitor the medication management.

Staff recruitment procedures were in place and were being followed to protect people and ensure they were cared for by staff with the appropriate knowledge and skills to care for them effectively.

People were encouraged to express any concerns they might have and procedures for raising complaints were regularly discussed so that people understood them. Copies of easy-read complaints and safeguarding procedures were displayed in the home so people and their representatives had access to the information, should they wish to raise a concern.