- Homecare service
Bury Council - Falcon & Griffin Extra Care Scheme
Assessment report published 14 October 2025
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
The assessment began on 19 August 2025 and concluded on 5 September 2025. Falcon and Griffin is an extra care housing scheme registered to provide personal care. At the time of our assessment, there were 17 people in receipt of care and support. At this assessment, we looked at all quality statements across the 5 key questions.
The manager had been registered with the Commission since 2019. Effective quality assurance systems were in place to evidence ongoing monitoring as well as help identify areas of continuous improvement.
Feedback was received from 6 housing and social care professionals. Comments reflected confidence in the management team. Managers were described as visible, responsive, and professional with good working relationships with partner agencies. Staff also spoke positively about managers and the support offered. Staff felt able to raise any issues and concerns and were confident they would be listened to.
Improvements were needed in relation to care records. Whilst records provided good information reflecting people’s wishes and preferences, some records were vague and needed further information to guide staff in people’s specific needs, such as catheter care, mental health needs, and the management of prescribed medicines. Managers were in the process of transferring care plans to a new electronic care planning system. Records were to be expanded upon to include all necessary information.
Relevant recruitment checks were completed before new staff commenced employment. Records showed and staff confirmed there was a programme of training and development provided to support them in their role. Staff understood their role and responsibilities and demonstrated a good understanding of people’s individual needs. Teamwork was said to be good, and communication was effective.
Managers worked with the housing provider to ensure accommodation was well maintained. Work had been carried out to improve the external and internal areas of Falcon and Griffin Houses. Relevant maintenance checks had been completed to ensure mains supplies and equipment were safe.
People's experience of this service
We spoke with 8 people who use the service and the relatives of 6 people. People told us they felt safe and liked living at Falcon and Griffin. One person told us, “I feel happy and safe with the carers.”
People said staff were respectful of their property, and they had the equipment they needed to support them safely and minimise potential risks. People said staff supported them in a way they wanted and needed, such as personal care, meal preparation, or management of medication. Staff were described as respectful, caring and compassionate, and that ‘nothing was too much trouble’. Two relatives told us, “I would recommend the carers there” and “They [staff] go out of their way.”
We received mixed feedback about the staffing arrangements. Whilst some people were completely satisfied, others felt there were not always enough staff, and they did not always stay for the agreed period of time. We were told, “The carers come three times a day and have not missed” and “They never stay the full time, they are in and out.” People did say they enjoyed spending time with staff, when possible, and one person provided an example of additional support provided by staff when they had been unwell.
Social events were provided. However, it was recognised that not all tenants wish to take part, following a routine of their own choosing. Events included, a breakfast or supper club, quizzes, and parties to celebrate events or festivals. There had also been a recent event, ‘action day’, where people, staff and volunteers spent time gardening, cutting down trees and planting flowers, and hanging baskets.
People knew the manager and felt able to discuss any issues or concerns should they need to. We were told, “[Manager] is very approachable and if we have any problems she sorts it for us. It is well run here, nothing to improve,” and "It's well organised."