BrendonCare Otterbourne Hill

On this page

• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

Effective – this means we looked for evidence that people’s care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life, based on best available evidence.

At our last assessment we rated this key question good. This meant people’s outcomes were consistently good, and people’s feedback confirmed this.

This service scored 79 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

The provider made sure people’s care and treatment was effective by assessing and reviewing their health, care, wellbeing and communication needs with them.

Assessments addressed people’s physical, cognitive, and mental wellbeing. People’s skin integrity, mobility, falls risk, diabetes management, and mental health were reviewed regularly. People with cognitive impairment received tailored assessments to anticipate fluctuations in function and behaviour. Care plans reflected capacity assessments and were reviewed collaboratively with people and external professionals. Professionals reported confidence in the thoroughness of assessments and planning.

People’s emotional and behavioural support plans outlined strategies to reduce people’s anxiety, manage agitation, and promote reassurance, drawing on specialist input from mental health teams where needed. This approach led to fewer behavioural incidents and improved emotional wellbeing, as confirmed by feedback from families and professionals. Comments from relatives included, “They are extremely responsive to any changes and will always contact the family if anything is of concern. If necessary, they will take photos and send them to us to make sure we are well informed” and “There have been incidents when she has been unwell and needed emergency support – I have never had to question their management decisions and been very happy with the actions they have taken”.

The provider planned and delivered people’s care and treatment with them, including what was important and mattered to them. They did this in line with legislation and current evidence-based good practice and standards.

Assessments addressed people’s physical, cognitive, and mental wellbeing. People with cognitive impairment received tailored assessments to anticipate fluctuations in function and behaviour.

Care was delivered in line with NICE guidance and best practice. Individualised strategies were in place for people who experienced anxiety related behaviours, mobility needs, chronic conditions, or risks to skin integrity. Observations confirmed care was timely, person-centred, and evidence based. Professionals highlighted interventions were tailored to people’s individual needs and priorities.

The provider worked well across teams and services to support people. They made sure people only needed to tell their story once by sharing their assessment of needs when people moved between different services.

The nursing team and clinical management followed a structured, multidisciplinary approach that ensured people received evidence-based care and seamless coordination. Roles and responsibilities were clearly defined, enabling nurses, senior clinicians, and external professionals such as GPs, pharmacists, and therapists to work together with shared accountability. For example, effective partnership working resulted in improved skin integrity for one person, whilst others improved in areas of mobility, dexterity, social skills and weight gain. A relative said, “I have seen [person] improve so much since being here. [Person] is now up and about, they have put weight on, and they are now enjoying all the social activities the home has to offer. It makes me so happy to see, [person] smiling, I have piece of mind”.

The provider always supported people to manage their health and wellbeing to fully maximise their independence, choice and control. Staff supported people to live healthier lives and where possible, reduce their future needs for care and support.

People were empowered to live their best lives through highly personalised and proactive health and wellbeing support.Professionals highlighted examples where early intervention and coordinated planning had significantly improved outcomes for people, such as preventing hospital readmissions, accelerating recovery, and enhancing quality of life. The home’s commitment to partnership working created a strong safety net for people, ensuring positive health outcomes were consistently achieved for people. A professional commented, “Because we have such a brilliant relationship, and with me being here at least twice a week to review people’s treatment, I can see people are looked after so very well”.

People’s emotional wellbeing was very well supported. For example, one person loved gardening in their early life, staff created a safe space for the person to engage in this activity resulting in reduced agitation and increased wellbeing. The home offered a very comprehensive individualised range of activities. From arts and crafts to live music sessions, exercise classes, and vibrant community events, every opportunity was designed to enrich lives, foster friendships, and reduce isolation. Throughout the 3-day inspection and in various areas of the home, we observed people participating in a game of dominos, board games, exercise classes, dancing and singing events. People were happy, smiling and joining in. One person said, “I absolutely love this, I love to sing and dance”. During these events, staff were also fully engaged which supported a very fun, friendly and inclusive culture. These activities created a lively, inclusive environment where people felt valued, connected, and fulfilled.

The provider routinely monitored people’s care and treatment to continuously improve it. They ensured outcomes were positive and consistent, and they met both clinical expectations and the expectations of people themselves.

People’s care and outcomes were monitored via audits, incident reviews, and feedback. Improvements were implemented promptly, including enhanced skin care protocols, interventions to reduce anxiety related behaviours and mobility support strategies. Staff engaged in reflective practice to ensure continuous learning and improvement. For example, after an incident relating to the safety of one person, increased monitoring procedures were implemented. External professionals confirmed the monitoring and audit processes were robust and effective. A relative said, “[Person] is always well presented having been showered and nicely dressed. Her hair is done weekly, and the staff do her nails – she is very happy”.

The provider told people about their rights around consent and respected these when delivering person-centred care and treatment.

People’s consent was obtained for all care. Capacity assessments and best interest decisions were recorded appropriately. Staff respected people’s decisions about care routines, medications, and daily activities. Professionals observed consent processes were consistently applied, and people’s choices were respected. The provider acted in accordance with Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards to ensure any restrictions placed on people to keep them safe was appropriate and the least restrictive.