Cornerstone At The Park

Updated 17 June 2025

Date of assessment: 30 June to 2 July 2025. The service is a residential care home providing support to older and younger adults living with dementia and mental health conditions. The service can support 16 people. There were 15 people living at the service at the time of our inspection visit.

There was a deeply embedded culture of continuous learning and improvement across the service. Staff consistently viewed incidents as valuable opportunities to reflect, learn, and enhance the quality of care. Transitions between services were seamless, with people receiving consistent, coordinated support and being actively involved throughout. Individuals were empowered and supported to stay safe, and there was a strong sense of trust that any concerns raised would be addressed promptly and effectively. Staff ensured people fully understood their human rights and upheld them with diligence and respect. The environment was not only safe and suitable but also thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of those living there. A calm, unhurried atmosphere prevailed, and staffing levels were consistently sufficient, with additional support deployed proactively when needed.

People were consistently treated with exceptional kindness and compassion. Observations and care records demonstrated that staff delivered care with dignity and respect at its core. Staff recognised and celebrated each person’s individuality, engaging with them as equals. Cultural, social, and religious needs were met with sensitivity and care. People were supported to exercise independence, make informed choices, and take positive risks. Staff were highly attuned to people’s immediate needs and responded with warmth, attentiveness, and professionalism.

People were central to their own care planning. They were actively involved in comprehensive assessments that shaped highly personalised support plans. Care was delivered in line with current legislation and best practice, with a clear focus on achieving the best possible outcomes. The service consistently delivered exceptional, person-centred care that was tailored to each individual. Staff empowered people to participate meaningfully in decisions about their care and support.

The service demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusive, integrated care that met the diverse needs of the people it supported. Staff worked collaboratively across disciplines and with external partners to ensure care was flexible, responsive, and holistic. Communication with commissioners was proactive and solution-focused, ensuring the best outcomes for people. A professional told us, “Staff go above and beyond. They are open to make something work.” People were supported to manage their own health, attend appointments, and maintain independence and activity levels. Their aspirations were nurtured, and they were encouraged to pursue their goals. The service used innovative approaches to ensure information was accessible and that people’s understanding was always checked and supported.

Staff wellbeing was prioritised and actively supported by the provider. The organisation’s values were clearly understood and embedded in practice, including through values-based recruitment. People and staff spoke with genuine admiration for the registered manager and leadership team. Staff felt safe and encouraged to speak up, with a strong culture of openness and psychological safety. The service had taken thoughtful steps to ensure the workforce reflected the local community and those it supported. One staff member said, “I can’t think of anything I would change.”

Governance systems were dynamic and forward-thinking. Learning from audits was systematically embedded into future planning. The service maintained strong links with the local community and demonstrated a clear commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. Learning was not only embedded – it was celebrated.

Updated 17 June 2025

People were very complimentary about the quality of the care they received and the managers and staff who supported them. Comments included, “Absolutely fantastic, the surroundings are brilliant. The staff are brilliant”, “It’s the best move I've ever made” and “Overall, it is a nice place.” A relative told us, “They have put my mind at ease.”

Staff took time to build strong trusting relationships with people. One person said, “They [staff] are always there to help you.” Another explained how staff stayed with them during and after they had been in hospital. A relative told us, “[Name of person] has built up really good relationships.” New staff were always introduced to people. A person told us, “Staff are introduced to you. They [managers] will show them round, show them the ropes. They [new staff] go round with another member of staff.” People told us staff respected their privacy with one telling us, “They [staff] are respectful of my time in my room. They always knock before they come in; they have the signs of courtesy.” The management team were thoroughly involved in the care at the home. One person told us, “The management are fantastic. They are like part of the staff. They are always here to help you.” Another person said, “They [staff] just help me.”

People felt they were listened to and wholly involved in their care. One person told us, “They listen to me.” Another explained, “[Staff] talk to me about my care plan once every two months. I can say if I want it changed, I'm able to make my own decisions. They sit down and discuss it with you.”

People’s needs and safety were at the heart of the service. One person said, “They [staff] are always asking me if there are any problems. Do I need anything. They are always here to help you no matter what. If they can’t help you, they will go further afield.”

Managers and staff had a clear commitment and focus to support people with their social needs and develop and maintain relationships. People pursued their own individual interests, lived their lives based on their own preferences and characteristics. One person told us, “There’s no one bothering you. They [staff] just let me get on with what I do. I help out whenever I can. I do what I can.” Another person confirmed, “Everybody gets on with their own thing.” The flexible staff team supported this.