Summerfield Rest Home

Updated 27 January 2026

Date of inspection: 2 February 2026. Summerfield Rest Home is a residential service providing support to older people, some of whom were living with dementia or physical disabilities. The service had a positive safety culture with open communication, learning from incidents and reviewing practice.

Staff understood safeguarding and people felt protected. Risk management was mostly effective and actions were taken quickly when gaps were found. The building needed repairs which impacted infection control risks and décor but improvements were underway. Staffing levels were safe and recruitment processes were robust. Staff received training, supervision and support. Medicines were managed well with clear procedures.

People’s needs were fully assessed and care followed recognised guidance. Staff worked well with each other and external professionals. People were supported to maintain good health, eat well and stay active. Reviews helped track outcomes and make improvements. Consent and mental capacity decisions were recorded clearly.

People were treated with kindness, respect and understanding. Care was personalised and supported choice, independence and involvement in meaningful activities. Staff responded promptly to immediate needs and communicated well with relatives. Staff felt supported and valued. Care was person centred and flexible. Information was shared in ways people could understand. The provider sought feedback and acted on it. People accessed local services and the service adapted when barriers appeared. Support for life changes and end of life wishes was sensitive and planned.

Leadership was strong, open and inclusive. The registered manager promoted clear values and staff understood these. People and staff felt able to speak up. Equality and diversity were promoted in the workforce. Governance systems were effective and improvement plans were active. Partnerships with the community and professionals supported good outcomes. Continuous learning and innovation helped develop practice and improve the environment.

Updated 27 January 2026

People felt safe in the home. They trusted staff and said staff were alert, calm in difficult moments and knew people well. Relatives said they were always contacted after any falls and that staff took the right medical actions. The service was clean and relatives could see ongoing refurbishment.

People told us staff understood them and offered choices during daily tasks. Food and drink were available through the day and simple snacks were offered at night. The chef provided alternatives when asked. Call bells were in place and relatives checked this during visits. Health professionals visited and appointments were arranged when needed. People said their relatives were happier, more settled and well understood by staff.

Relatives took part in care meetings and reviews. Staff supported people to stay as independent as possible and helped at mealtimes. Relatives said their family members were calmer and staff were loving and respectful.

Activities were varied and took place daily. People could choose not to join in and staff spent time talking with them instead individually. Regular visits from local schools brought joy to people living in the service. Faith needs were met when requested. Relatives felt communication was open and honest. Minor issues were resolved quickly.

People and relatives said the service felt welcoming and friendly. They spoke highly of the registered manager and the deputy manager. People said they could approach any staff member with questions. All relatives said they would recommend the service. They felt the service was warm, caring and genuine because of the staff and leadership.