Archived: Greyrigg Residential Care Home

During our visit we spoke with six people who were living at the home and four relatives. They all spoke very highly of the standard of care provided and of the commitment of the staff. One relative said, 'My husband is doing great here. He's put on two stone in weight and the staff have got to know his ways and how he likes things to be done'. A resident told us they had been staying at the home for four weeks for respite care. This person said they would have liked to move into the home permanently and said they were disappointed it was closing.

We found that some progress had been made to address the areas of non-compliance relating to the environment identified at our last visit. However, there were still several potential health and safety hazards within the premises and some areas of the building were still in need of repair and redecoration. Had the Commission not been informed that the home was closing, it would have to consider enforcement actions to seek compliance in these areas.

We found that systems to assess and monitor the quality of service and to identify and manage risks were informal and were not always documented. This meant that the provider was unable to demonstrate how they ensured that people received a safe and appropriate service at all times.

We found that up to date care assessments and care plans were in place.

People who lived at the home told us they were happy with the care and support they received. One person said, 'I've lived here for six months. I need help with showers and they do this very nicely. They look after my medicine and make sure I know what it's for. It's like home from home'.

A visiting district nurse told us the staff were co-operative and always implemented their care instructions fully and to a high standard.

We found some potential health and safety hazards within the premises. We found that some areas of the building were in need of repair and redecoration.

We found that staff were trained to do their job properly and were well supported by their manager.

People who use the service, their representatives and staff were asked for their views about their care and treatment and they were acted on. The provider did not have an effective system to regularly assess and monitor the quality of service that people receive or to ensure the provision of safe and appropriate care at all times.

We found that plans of care were being developed which would demonstrate how people were being looked after. However, current care plans did not contain sufficient information to fully show how the wishes of people were being met. All the people we spoke with said care was good.

We found staff had undertaken some mandatory health and safety training. Staff needed to complete moving and handling and first aid training to be sure they can help people with mobility problems safely and respond to accidents competently.

People who used the service told us, "I have a very nice room. I have a good view of the gardens. I have made my room very homely. I am very happy here", "I am happy with my room and I have a few of my own things. It has taken me a while to get settled. It is a clean and tidy home. It is a big change but I am quite satisfied" and "I like it here. The staff are very nice". People were satisfied with the services and facilities at Greyrigg.