3 February 2011
During a routine inspection
We observed that people who use services were always given time to express their needs, were involved in making some day to day decisions and supported in a way that was mindful of their rights to respect, dignity and privacy. People using services appeared relaxed and at ease in their surroundings.
Observation showed, and carers confirmed that people who use services enjoyed good home cooked food and were supported to maintain regular contact with their family and friends.
Carers evidenced high levels of satisfaction with the services offered. They confirmed that staff were good at keeping in regular contact with them and involved them in more complex decision making on behalf of their relatives. They said that staff listened to their views and took them into account when organising how the service was to be provided and delivered.
Carers told us that they have been asked in the past for their views about the service and if there was anything that could be improved upon. They said that in response their views had been listened to and they felt that they had some influence over what happened in the home. Another carer said that they knew residents meetings were taking place now and felt this was useful. It gave people using services a chance to communicate with staff about such things as organising birthday celebrations, preferred holiday destinations and to arrange outings and activities that they liked.
Very positive feedback was received from carers regarding the home's new management. One carer told us that things had improved a 'thousand fold' over the last year. Another carer said they had experienced some previous problems but they were now generally much more satisfied with the service and no longer concerned about their relative's health and welfare.
Although the location of the home is rather isolated, there are enough car drivers on the staff team to ensure people who use services are able to go out and about in the community as their care and activity plan demands. There is a farm close by, also owned by the provider organisation, which some people who use services visit for planned activities and which they clearly enjoy and benefit from.