The Oaks Care Home

On this page

• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

Effective – this means we looked for evidence that people’s care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life, based on best available evidence. At the last inspection we rated this key question requires improvement. At this inspection the rating has changed to good. This meant people’s outcomes were consistently good, and people’s feedback confirmed this.

This service scored 67 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

Staff made sure people’s care and treatment was effective by assessing and reviewing their health, care, wellbeing and communication needs with them. Staff described a strong person‑centred approach and involvement of people in care planning. One staff member told us, “People are involved in developing their care plans and risk management strategies through resident meetings and a person‑centred approach.” While staff knowledge of people was good, this was not always consistently reflected in written assessments and reviews. Since the last inspection the provider had made improvements to the records but we discussed further enhancements which would ensure information was readily understood.

Care and treatment was delivered in line with current best practice and supported by evidence-based tools. Staff demonstrated strong knowledge and understanding around how to work with people who had a learning disability. Staff consistently described using agreed approaches to support people safely and effectively. Relatives found staff understood how to effectively meet their family member’s needs. Staff confirmed they had access to appropriate training to deliver care in line with people’s needs. A staff member said, “I have been able to access training like never before in other places I have worked for over three years in healthcare. As a matter of fact, I am in the process of starting NVQ level three training in health and social care, courtesy of The Oaks. A rare opportunity.”

Staff worked well across teams and services to support people. They made sure people only needed to tell their story once by sharing their assessment of needs when people moved between different services. Staff described strong teamwork and mutual support across the service. One staff member told us, “We work well as a team and I always have colleagues to ask for support and help when I need it.” Staff worked effectively with health and social care professionals, including GPs, community learning disability teams.

Staff supported people to manage their health and wellbeing to maximise their independence, choice and control. People’s nutritional needs and preferences were assessed and well understood by staff. Staff had a good knowledge of people’s preferences and dislikes regarding food. Staff helped people access healthcare professionals promptly, and relatives described being informed quickly when concerns arise. People’s emotional wellbeing was supported through caring interactions, and staff showed empathy and patience.

Staff routinely monitored people’s care and treatment to continuously improve it. They ensured outcomes were positive and consistent, and met people’s expectations. Care plans were regularly reviewed, and audits were in place to check quality and safety. Staff described a culture of learning, where the provider constantly looked to see how improvements could be made. One staff member said, “We have regular staff meetings, which improve our workplace efficiency, enhance accountability, and strengthen team alignment. I find these meetings helpful. My suggestions are always welcome, and my views are always taken on board.”

The service told people about their rights around consent and respected these when delivering person-centred care and treatment. Staff understood the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act and associated codes of practice. They had received training around the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and associated code of practice. The provider continued to take steps to ensure the assessments of people’s capacity, and any ‘Best Interests’ decisions were completed in line with expectations.