- Care home
Linnet Mews
Assessment report published 3 July 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Linnet Mews is a residential care home supporting up to 10 people with complex neurological conditions, including acquired brain injuries. At the time of inspection, 4 people were living at the home. The inspection took place between 26 May 2026 and 10 June 2026.
Leaders and staff were effective in their roles. Governance systems were well established and used consistently to monitor the quality of support. Regular audits of support planning and risk management helped identify issues early, and when concerns arose, timely action was taken to drive improvement.
Staff described the management team as visible, supportive and knowledgeable. The registered manager and deputy worked alongside staff, providing clear guidance and promoting good practice. This created a positive culture where staff felt supported to deliver safe, person-centred support.
People were placed at the centre of their support, with staff supporting them to develop personalised plans and use challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Strong systems supported continuous improvement, resulting in positive changes. People were helped to better understand their neurological conditions, building confidence, reducing isolation and promoting independence.
Staff understood people’s social, relational and emotional needs and involved people using the service in decisions about their support. Support was adapted promptly when people’s needs changed, ensuring it remained responsive. Person-centred support was embedded, using proven approaches to understand behaviour and past experiences. This helped people gain control, achieve meaningful goals and develop independence.
People were treated with kindness and respect, with their privacy, dignity and safety maintained. Health needs were monitored and support regularly reviewed. Support was delivered in the least restrictive way and in line with legal requirements, with effective safeguarding systems in place.
Medicines were managed safely, and there were enough skilled, safely recruited staff to meet people’s needs. Infection control procedures were followed. Staff worked well with health and social care professionals and understood people’s rights. They felt supported through training and supervision.
The service promoted an open culture where people using the service and staff could raise concerns, which were addressed appropriately, with a clear focus on learning and continuous improvement.
People's experience of this service
People reported that staff were friendly and supportive and they felt safe within the service. Each person had access to their own private living space. For some, this consisted of a bedroom with an ensuite, while others had a self-contained apartment including a kitchen, bathroom, living area, and bedroom. This setup offered a valuable transition for those working towards greater independence.
People were supported to exercise as much choice and control over their lives as possible. Staff promoted independence by using the least restrictive approaches and always acting in peoples’ best interests, supported by effective policies and systems within the service.
Staff understood their responsibilities in safeguarding people from harm while also enabling them to take appropriate risks. This allowed people to participate in activities they enjoyed and engage with the local community. Incidents were reviewed to identify learning and improve practice.
People were supported to purchase, plan, and prepare their meals in line with their individual preferences and dietary needs. Drinks were readily available throughout the day, and people were able to make their own beverages independently whenever they wished. On the day of the inspection, the weather was warm, and staff regularly reminded people to drink fluids to help maintain adequate hydration.
People were encouraged to maintain connections with family and friends, share their feedback about the service, and raise any concerns they might have. One person told us they planned to spend time with their family over the weekend, which they said was something they did regularly.