- Care home
Chimnies Residential Care Home
Assessment report published 22 September 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
This inspection took place between 20 August to 10 September 2026. Chimnies Residential Care Home (Chimnies) is a residential service providing personal care to older people, some of whom are living with dementia.
We carried out this inspection to assess whether the service had made and sustained the improvements required following our previous inspection in September 2022. At that inspection, we identified that the provider’s quality assurance systems were not sufficiently robust to effectively monitor and drive improvements. We also found that information relating to potential risks to people’s health, safety and wellbeing was not being consistently reviewed to ensure risks were identified, monitored and managed appropriately. At this inspection, we found improvements had been made.
People were protected from abuse, avoidable harm and neglect. Risks to people's health and wellbeing were assessed and managed, medicines were managed safely, and the home was clean and well maintained. Staff described an open culture where concerns were discussed and used as learning opportunities. One staff member said, “If something goes wrong, you're not penalised, we just try to find a solution and work it out.” Another member of staff told us, “If I made an error, they would be positive because we learn from these things.” We observed staff responding promptly when people needed reassurance or support.
People's needs were assessed and reviewed regularly. Staff monitored people's health, nutrition, hydration and wellbeing and worked closely with healthcare professionals to support positive outcomes. Handovers included discussions about people's nutrition, skin integrity, bowel health and any changes in wellbeing to ensure people received appropriate care.
We observed a warm, friendly and homely atmosphere where staff worked well together and treated people with kindness, dignity and respect. Staff were visible throughout the home, interacted positively with people and visitors, and demonstrated a genuine commitment to promoting people's wellbeing and quality of life.
Staff spent time talking with people, offering reassurance and responding promptly to requests for support. During lunch, staff offered people choices, respected their preferences and supported them at their own pace. One staff member told us, “It's more than a job to us. We genuinely care about the people we support.” People appeared comfortable and relaxed in staff presence, and staff joined people in singing after lunch, creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
People experienced care and support from a consistent staff team who knew them well and understood their individual needs, preferences and routines. Staff were positive about the service and committed to providing person-centred care. One staff member told us, “It's a good service and I think the carers give 100% every shift.” We observed people being offered choices throughout the day and receiving support in line with their wishes. Activities reflected people's interests and staff understood what mattered to people and how best to support their wellbeing and reduce anxiety or distress when needed.
The service benefited from visible and approachable leadership. Staff spoke positively about the support they received. Comments included, “You can go to anyone there. They're amazing,” and “I feel appreciated, it's an enjoyable job, when you're working in a job that you love, you feel happy.” Audits, meetings, surveys and service improvement plans were used to monitor quality and drive improvement. However, further improvements were needed to ensure care records consistently provided clear oversight of care delivered.
People's experience of this service
People told us they felt safe, well supported and happy living at the home. One person said, “I do feel safe. I feel quite safe, the staff are lovely. I couldn't ask for better.” Another person told us, “Everything makes me feel safe here – the staff and the environment.”
People consistently spoke positively about the staff and the care they received. Comments included, “They'll do anything for you, they are very kind,” “They listen and explain everything well,” and “They treat you very well.” One person said, “Without a doubt. We all have different needs and they manage all the different needs.” A relative told us, “The staff are helpful. They are always happy.”
People said there were enough staff available to meet their needs. One person told us, “If I press the button staff come quickly.” Another said staff regularly checked on them when they were in their room. People described staff as caring, approachable and available when they needed support.
People told us they were involved in decisions about their care and support. Comments included, “It suits my needs. The care is everything and how I wanted it,” “They ask each month how you feel about your care and if there's something you want changed,” and “They come around with like a questionnaire.”
People said they could access healthcare support when needed. One person told us, “I think my health needs are met. The doctors come in every week and the chiropodist comes in.” Another said, “The chiropodist comes about every 6 weeks.”
Feedback about the quality of food was positive. Comments included, “The food is good,” and “All very good. No complaints,”. There were mixed views about the choices offered. One person told us, there are two main dishes, or you can ask for a jacket potato, or an omelette, or toast.” However, another person said, “The food is okay. I would like a bit more variety.”
People enjoyed opportunities to take part in activities and maintain relationships with family and friends. One person told us, “They have someone come in and do exercise. We had a singer last week. Also Bingo.” Another person said, “There's quizzes, bingo, I do reading, jigsaw puzzles and crosswords.” People confirmed relatives and friends could visit and that they remained in regular contact with those important to them.
Overall, people's feedback showed they felt safe, cared for and respected by a consistent staff team who knew them well, understood their individual needs and supported them to live the life they chose.