- Care home
Ferndale Care Home
Assessment report published 26 October 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Date of Assessment: 9 September to 16 September 2026. We carried out this assessment because a significant period had passed since the service was last inspected.
Ferndale Care Home provides accommodation for up to 16 people. People consistently said they felt safe, happy and well cared for. Feedback about staff was very positive, with people describing them as kind, respectful, knowledgeable and well trained. During the inspection, staff were observed interacting warmly and respectfully with people, demonstrating a good understanding of their individual needs, preferences and routines. Staff promoted choice, independence and autonomy, and people were supported to access healthcare services when required. Care plans were personalised and regularly reviewed.
Staff understood safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures and felt confident raising concerns. Safe recruitment processes were followed, and staff received appropriate mandatory and specialist training, supported by competency assessments, supervision and appraisal. Medicines were safely stored and managed, and the environment was clean and well maintained.
People and relatives felt staffing levels were sufficient and support was provided promptly. Comments included, “There are people around to help day and night,” “There always seems to be someone around,” and “I have never seen residents wait for anything or keep them waiting.” A visitor said, “When I come and press the bell at the front door they come and answer straight away. It makes me think they have enough time.” People also benefited from consistency within the staff team, supporting positive and trusting relationships.
The Registered Manager maintained effective oversight through monitoring incidents, safeguarding, complaints, medicines, audits and quality assurance processes. They were visible and promoted an open, inclusive and positive culture where staff felt valued and able to speak up. Overall, governance arrangements supported safe, good-quality care, with evidence of partnership working and a commitment to continuous improvement.
People's experience of this service
People consistently told us they felt safe, comfortable and well supported. One person said, “I am safe, I have been very well looked after, one hundred percent.” Another person described how staff had helped them settle into the service, stating, “They make me feel at home. They have made me feel welcome in the few weeks I have been here.” Safeguarding training was in place and staff demonstrated a good understanding of their responsibilities for recognising, reporting and responding to concerns.
People and relatives spoke positively about the quality of care and described staff as kind, caring and responsive. One person told us, “Staff are brilliant, nothing seems to faze them. Whatever you ask, they do.” People were supported by a consistent staff team who knew them well and understood their individual needs, preferences and choices. Care was person-centred and promoted people’s privacy, dignity and independence. A relative commented, “There is a true commitment from staff to people.” Staff responded promptly to requests for support and interactions were observed to be warm, respectful and attentive.
People and relatives knew how to raise concerns and had access to information about the complaints process. Feedback showed the service listened and responded appropriately when changes were requested, with relatives describing staff as flexible in adapting support to individual circumstances. People and relatives were also encouraged to contribute through regular care reviews, meetings and other opportunities to provide feedback.
Staff spoke positively about their training and development. One staff member said, “I am always keen to remain up to date with mandatory training and undertake additional training that helps me perform my role effectively.”
People were also positive about the food and choices available. Mealtimes reflected individual needs and preferences, with one person commenting, “Food is fine and you always get a choice.” Overall, people experienced personalised support from staff who knew them well and helped them feel safe, valued, respected and included.