- Care home
The Bridge Care Home
Assessment report published 15 May 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
We carried out this comprehensive assessment between 21 January and 16 February 2026. This was the first assessment for this newly registered service. The Bridge Care Home provides accommodation and personal or nursing care for up to 71 older people; at the time of our visit, 61 people were using the service.
People were protected from the risk of abuse, and there were appropriate safeguarding systems in place. When things went wrong, lessons were shared to reduce the risk of recurrence. There were sufficient numbers of staff to meet people’s needs, and staff were supported through training and supervision to be effective in their roles. Infection prevention and control practices were followed, and the health and safety of the environment was assessed.
There were established systems and processes to audit the quality of the service. The registered manager took prompt action when an error was identified.Complaints were managed appropriately in line with the provider’s policy. There was visible leadership throughout the service. People, their relatives and staff told us the service was well run. The registered manager was approachable, responsive and open to feedback.
People were supported to eat a balanced diet and drink enough to remain hydrated. They had access to healthcare services to maintain good health, and staff worked effectively with external professionals. People were supported to make decisions about their care and treatment, and consent procedures were followed. The service operated in line with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act, supporting people to have choice and control and using the least restrictive approaches.
Staff were caring and compassionate, and people were treated with dignity and respect. Independence was promoted wherever possible. People’s needs were assessed and care plans reflected their individual preferences, support needs and risks. End‑of‑life wishes were documented appropriately. The service worked collaboratively with a range of external organisations to meet people’s needs and support service improvement.
People's experience of this service
People using the service and their relatives spoke positively about their experiences. They felt safe, reassured by staff presence and confident in the care provided. People and their relatives told us they felt safe and staff were always around and available to support them when needed. A relative commented, “I go at different times, even late in the evening, and am never questioned.”
People received effective care that supported their health, wellbeing and independence. People and their relatives told us people’s health had improved, including weight gain and increased mobility. A relative told us, “They are keeping [relative] as independent as possible and they know they can ask for help from the carers.” Families described good access to healthcare professionals and clear communication when medical treatment was needed.
People and their relatives described the staff as caring, respectful and person centred. Staff were praised for their kindness, warmth and attention to dignity. A relative said, “[Person] is always clean, nicely dressed, hair and nails done,” while another told us, “Staff always knock and apologise if they disturb us.” People felt staff knew them well and focused on their abilities rather than their diagnosis.
Care was responsive to individual needs and preferences. Families felt listened to and involved in decisions, even when opinions differed. A relative explained, “They wanted [person] to move floors but listened to me and gave us time.” Rooms, routines and activities were adapted to people’s choices, and there was a wide range of meaningful activities and outings. Good communication was a consistent theme, with relatives describing regular phone calls and email updates about care and health.
The service was well led, with visible and approachable management. Relatives felt confident raising concerns and said issues were addressed promptly. A person told us, “Definitely well managed, the management team are visible, available and give us answers.” Many relatives said they would recommend the service, with 1 stating, “The carers go the extra mile, and I feel a weight has been lifted.”