- Care home
The Old Vicarage
Assessment report published 7 July 2025
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Date of assessment 20 to 28 May 2025. We carried out inspection visits on both days.
At the time of the inspection there were 18 people living at the care home and 2 people staying for respite.
People had their needs assessed when they moved to the home to make sure it was the right place for them. Some improvements were needed to make sure people’s care plans and risk assessments were up to date and reflected people’s current needs. The provider took action to address these issues.
Medicines were safely managed but some improvements were needed to make sure the effectiveness of prescribed medicines and creams could be monitored.
The provider carried out a series of audits, but these had not always been effective in monitoring quality or driving improvement.
Most people were able to give consent to their care and support. However, where people lacked the capacity to consent, the provider did not always work in accordance with the law and current best practice guidelines.
The provider and registered manager were responsive to feedback and were committed to making improvements where needed. Some improvements had been completed before the end of the inspection.
Staff knew how to recognise and report abuse. All were confident that any concerns raised would be listened to and action taken to make sure people were safe.
There were enough staff to safely and effectively meet people’s needs.
Staff knew people well and respected them as individuals. The quality of care provided was good and staff were knowledgeable about people’s needs.
Staff told us they felt well supported and were happy in their roles.
All areas of the home were well maintained, clean and fresh.
Visitors were always welcome at the home.
The registered manager and provider were friendly and approachable. They were visible in the home which led to an open culture where people and staff felt able to raise concerns and share ideas.
People's experience of this service
People and visiting relatives were very complimentary about the care and support they received at The Old Vicarage. People praised the kindness of the staff and felt they always went the extra mile to make sure they had everything they needed. One person told us, “Staff are lovely people – can’t fault the staff.”
Visitors were always made welcome which enabled people to maintain contact with friends and family.
People benefited from a staff team who worked well with local healthcare professionals to make sure any healthcare needs were addressed.
People could be confident that at the end of their lives they would receive high quality, kind and compassionate care.
People’s independence and choice was promoted and one person told us they had gained in confidence since being at the home.
People had access to a wide range of activities in accordance with their interests and wishes. This resulted in people receiving social stimulation, continuing to be part of their local community and being able to follow their interests and learn new skills.
There were extensive grounds around the property which many people took great pleasure in. We saw some people enjoying sitting in the gardens and others were active in growing and caring for plants.
People felt safe at the home and with the staff who supported them. Everyone appeared comfortable and relaxed in their environment.One person said, “It’s a very calm and together place. I do feel safe here.”
People lived in a home where the leadership team led by example to ensure people received care which was respectful and empowering.