Archived: Oakhill House Care Home

Updated 6 February 2025

Date of Assessment: 26 March to 3 April 2025.

Oakhill House Care Home is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care registered for 49 people. The service provides support to older people and people living with dementia. At the time of our assessment there were 38 people using the service. The home was set over two floors, the top floor was not in use and so the full capacity was reduced to 38.

This assessment was undertaken to review any improvements from the last inspection completed July 2022 when it was rated requires improvement, with 3 breaches to regulations.

The breaches related to the assessment and management of people’s health and safety risks, people had not been protected from abuse and improper treatment. Governance systems had failed to assess, monitor and mitigate the risks relating to the health, safety and welfare of people. Improvements were found at this assessment and the provider was no longer in breach of these regulations.

Improvements made included the rapid reporting of any accident, incident and safeguarding matter, these were documented through the internal notification systems and dealt with in an open way to improve practice and support for people. All relevant authorities were alerted, and any investigation was completed in a collaborative effective way. Any risk to people’s health was fully assessed and measures implemented to minimise the associated risk. The management team had been changed since the last inspection and now provided a cohesive structure that supported effective and responsive leadership. A number of quality review and governance systems were used and supported an open culture to monitoring and improving the service provision.

The service rating has changed from requires improvement to good.

The changed management structure had provided a stable and effective leadership that had fostered a more inclusive culture. Staff felt listened to and valued. Systems for communication had been improved and were being used to establish an effective team.

Staff worked in a collaborative way across the service and with external health and social care professionals to provide joined up care and support and treatment for people. Staff and management knew people well, this ensured a person-centred approach. There were sufficient suitably trained staff deployed in the service to meet the assessed needs of people. Staff were seen to be kind, respectful and compassionate.

People received fair and equal care, and support was provided in a tailored and flexible way to respond and promote people’s individuality.

Updated 6 February 2025

People their family and friends were very positive about the quality of the care and support they received. The praise received was consistent and reflected a high satisfaction.

People felt safe and reflected on the suitability of the staff and their availability. One person said, “I am in this wheelchair as you see; and they help me, I feel perfectly safe.” Another said, “I think that they are very well trained.” People and relatives told us there were always enough staff and that they were, “always around when needed.”

People felt consulted and able to influence how they were supported. One person said, “Very much so, I do what I want when I want.” People felt their views and wishes were always asked for and taken into account. One person said, “They always ask, and we discuss things.”

Staff demonstrated a very caring and empathetic approach to people and to their family and friends. They treated people in a person-centred way understanding their individual needs and preferences. People said, “They are absolutely wonderful, so kind and thoughtful.” And, “They couldn’t be more lovely; they can’t do enough for you.” Relatives and friends were equally complimentary, “Staff are more than alright they are fabulous. I am so happy that they are here I could not wish for better for them.” A relative reflected on the kindness and support provided to them during difficult times, when they were feeling emotional.

People told us about what they could do during the day and how this contributed to their well-being. One person reflected on the support they received to complete some gardening and others talked about the activities and entertainment. One person said, “They always ask if I want to do whatever it is and then assist as much as possible so I can do it.” People felt they were listened to and said they could make a complaint if they needed, and meetings were used to gain their views. The knew who the managers were and had contact with them.