Archived: Platters Farm Lodge

Highfield Road, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 0EQ

Provided and run by:
Medway Council

Important: The provider of this service changed. See new profile

All Inspections

7 January 2013

During a routine inspection

We viewed all areas of the home during the inspection visit and saw that they were visibly clean and well maintained.

The home was divided into three units (one for rehabilitation, and two for respite care), but people were able to walk between the units and meet people in other areas if they wished to do so.

The home included a day centre, which was not included in the inspection. We saw that activities staff worked across all units, as well as the day centre, and provided people with a choice of group or individual activities during the day.

All of the people that we talked with spoke very positively about the home. Their comments included phrases such as: 'You cannot fault the staff at all. They are all very good.' 'I am here for a few weeks while my family are away. I am very happy here.' Another person said it was his first stay at Platters Farm, and he was well cared for. He said the staff were kind and he thought that the food was particularly good.

We talked with a variety of staff, and observed them caring for people. We saw that they interacted with them in a gentle and caring manner.

We viewed some recruitment records, and saw that appropriate checks and interview processes were carried out to ensure that suitable staff were employed to work in the home.

We found that people's concerns were listened to, and action was taken to address any issues identified.

9 December 2011

During a routine inspection

The home had two units for people receiving respite care (often after a stay in hospital); and one unit for people receiving rehabilitation care. We visited each of the three units during the course of the visit, and talked with people in each unit. This included conversations with nine people living in the home, three relatives, and one other visitor. We talked with six staff on duty, as well as the manager.

People living in the home said:

'The staff are all very friendly. The food is very good, and there is loads of it!'

'It has been nice to make some friends here.'

'It is very, very good here. I have been here before, and I would not go anywhere else. The staff are very good, and keep me informed about what is going on. There are lots of things to do, and we enjoy things like exercises and sing-songs together.'

'The staff are very kind and friendly. They always come if we call for help' (i.e. using call bells).

Relatives said:

'People think it is very good here.'

'Our mother has been here for several weeks, and loves it. It is always very clean. There is a calm atmosphere, and the staff are brilliant. Everyone has been incredibly helpful.'

We viewed some recent thank you cards, which included these comments:

'Thank you for making my stay so nice, I have been very happy here, and appreciate all you have done for me.'

'All the staff do a marvellous job.'

'The staff showed me love and dedication, and worked as a team together.'