- Care home
Limefield Court Retirement Home
Assessment report published 9 November 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Date of assessment: 2 to 17 September 2026.
Limefield Court is a care home, registered to provide accommodation and personal care for up to 32 people. Accommodation comprises of 20 single and 6 double bedrooms. All but two offer en-suite facilities. At the time of our assessment there were 25 people living at the home.
This assessment was prompted by concerns identified at another home operated by the provider. We assessed whether effective systems were in place and whether people’s needs were being met safely.
Audits and checks were completed but lacked meaningful analysis of findings, trends or areas for improvement, which would help the provider develop a comprehensive improvement plan, taking a more proactive approach to improving outcomes rather than relying on external reviews to identify concerns. Accurate and complete records were not always maintained.
Arrangements in relation to the safety and suitability of the environment could be improved. The environment would benefit from further improvement to better support people's comfort, independence and wellbeing.
The provider did not always make sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences. Systems were in place to manage and minimise the risk of cross infection.
Staff were safely recruited and supported through training, supervision and meetings, although recruitment processes could be strengthened by improving documentation. Staffing levels should be kept under review, with mixed feedback about staff availability during busy periods. Opportunities for staff training and development were provided. Records could be expanded upon to better evidence their learning and understanding in delivering safe and effective care.
Care plans included some information about peoples wishes and preferences. However, there was little evidence to show people were involved in the planning and review of the care and support. Risks relating to falls, weight loss and health conditions such as diabetes had been assessed. However, risk assessments and care plans required further detail to guide staff in managing these effectively.
Policies, procedures and training supported staff to safeguard people, raise concerns, and manage Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, with appropriate legal authorisations in place where required. Staff were able to demonstrate a good understanding of these processes.
People's experience of this service
We spoke with 8 people and the relatives of 2 people.
People told us staff were kind and caring and provided the support they needed. However, some people felt sufficient numbers of staff were not always available at busy times.
There was also a mixed response in relation to mealtime arrangements. Whilst one person said, “The food isn’t so good. Not really much choice.” Another said, "The food is very nice. There is always a choice. I get enough drinks." Following our visit the registered manager informed us following meals the cook will now seek feedback from people about the food served, so changes in the menu can be made, where necessary.
People followed routines of their own choosing, spending time in their rooms, whilst others preferred the communal lounge. During our visit we observed people actively engaging in an exercise class, which they appeared to enjoy. Some people felt the opportunity to take part in different activities could be improved. We were told an activity worker was being recruited. Their role will be to explore other opportunities for people, based on the hobbies and interests to promote better engagement and social inclusion.
People said they were able to speak with staff if they needed anything. They also told us they knew who the manager was and would speak with her if they had any issues. This was confirmed by the relatives of people spoken with. Comments included, “The manager is easy to talk and ask things if we need to” and “The manager is approachable yes."