Archived: Linden House

We saw people being offered and provided with regular drinks and snacks throughout the course of our visit. We received variable feedback about the quality of the food. People told us that they enjoyed the meal they had just eaten, that it was 'very nice' and that the portion sizes are too big. Carers told us that their relatives have said that the food is sometimes bland and that there appears to be little choice of meals.

People and carers consistently told us how caring the staff were, describing them as 'wonderful' 'lovely' and 'very caring'. The approach of staff towards people was respectful and accommodating. Carers told us that there was always staff around for their relatives to get the help they needed. A carer felt that not all staff understood the needs of people with Parkinson's disease.

People and carers told us that they felt confident to raise any concerns they had with the manager and felt that this would be dealt with promptly. A person said that they felt able to tell the staff of ways to improve their life at the home.

Carers told us that their relative's bedroom had not been cleaned in some time, but felt that the 'communal were always clean and tidy'. Carers said that they were able to see their visitors in the privacy of their bedroom. A carer said of their relative's bedroom was 'Very pleasant room as it opens out onto the garden'.

A carer told us that the management of the home can seem disorganised at times.

A service user told us that she enjoyed the company of other people in the home and that there was always someone to talk to. Others said they enjoyed board and card games, and another had just had her hair done and said it is good to have the hairdresser visit regularly.

People told us that they felt their privacy and dignity was respected, and that staff were always polite.

People felt generally satisfied with the home, the facilities and the staff.