- Care home
Olivemede
Assessment report published 30 September 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Olivemede is a residential care service that provides accommodation and personal care for up to 32 people. At the time of our inspection, 30 older people were living at the service, including some people who were living with dementia.
This inspection was carried out to follow up on some concerns we had received about safe care delivery, management of financial procedures for money held on behalf of people living at the service and due to the length of time since our last comprehensive inspection, which was carried out in December 2020 before a transfer to dual ownership.
This was the first time we had inspected the service since the provider changed their legal entity in October 2024. The assessment started on 17 July 2026 and concluded on 18 August 2026. We gathered information from people who used the service, family members, the registered manager and care staff working at the service. We undertook a comprehensive assessment looking at all quality statements.
The provider assessed most people’s care and support needs prior to commencing with the service. We did however find that 2 peoples care records had no information or little information contained within them to guide staff. Whilst no harm had come to people, there was a potential that people would not receive the care required to ensure their health and safety needs may not be met.
Other care plans we reviewed demonstrated involvement from relevant health and social care professionals, ensuring a collaborative approach to care. These plans had not all been regularly reviewed and updated to reflect any changes in people’s needs or preferences. Families confirmed they have had input to their care plans.
Staff we spoke with knew people well. The service was visibly clean and good infection control procedures were in place. People’s independence was promoted whenever possible. Consent was sought when providing care, and best interest decisions and mental capacity assessments were in place when needed.
However, the governance at the service was not robust as the issues we found had not been identified during their own auditing processes. For example, records relating to people’s care and treatment were not always accurate or up to date to reflect people’s current needs.
People's experience of this service
People and their relatives spoke positively about the care and support provided by the service. Comments included, “The care and responsiveness has improved since the new manager.” And “They are fed well, safe and clean.”
People had access to a variety of activities designed to promote social engagement, wellbeing, and enjoyment. People’s relatives and friends were able to visit freely and spend time with their loved ones. The service supported and encouraged visits to promote ongoing relationships and maintain people’s social connections.
We observed staff treating people with kindness, compassion and respect. Staff responded promptly to people’s requests for assistance and were attentive to their individual needs, offering support and encouragement in a caring manner. However, staff missed opportunities to engage people in conversation during lunch. One person was being assisted, and the staff made no attempt to speak with them.
Meals provided were nutritious and varied, although the meals of the day were only recorded on the board a few minutes before lunch was served. One person told us, “The food is very good, there is always something I like.” Another person said, “Meals are Ok, I have them in my room. I need them cut up but I can then feed myself.”
Call bells were consistently answered in a timely way, ensuring people did not have to wait unnecessarily for help.
There was no dedicated activity co-ordinator, an activities schedule was available, but activities only took place once peoples care needs had been met and there was enough staff available. Comments included, “I do some activities, but it always the same.” A relative said, “They like quizzes, music and going into the garden.”