Archived: The Borrins Care Home

Updated 27 October 2025

Date of assessment: 11 December 2025 to 23 January 2026

The Borrins is a 30-bed residential care home for older people and people with physical disabilities. At the time of our inspection, 23 people were living at the service. The last comprehensive assessment was carried out in February 2022, and the service was rated requires improvement. Our decision to inspect the service was due to the age of this rating. Risks relating to people’s health, care needs and the environment were well managed. The home was clean, infection prevention and control procedures were followed, and the environment was warm, welcoming and personalised. Communal areas were used effectively to support both quiet and group activities.

People received person-centred care from staff who were kind, respectful and compassionate. Care records reflected people’s preferences, and staff supported people with dignity. Activities were available throughout the day, and staff were appropriately trained, supervised and supported. Staff and people provided positive feedback about the manager and leadership within the home.

Staffing levels were appropriate on the day of inspection. Rotas and dependency tools were effective, and agency staff were used safely, with positive observations of their practice. Recruitment, competency and supervision records were robust and consistent, giving confidence that the service had the right mix of experience and skill to care for people well. Staff maintained good relationships with people and were consistently present in communal areas to ensure needs were met promptly.

People remained in contact with family and friends and had good access to healthcare services, including regular visits from a dentist. People were offered a good choice of meals, snacks and drinks throughout the day. Mealtimes were well organised; menu information was clearly displayed and staff ensured people’s nutritional needs and preferences were met.

Communication about day-to-day issues was open and transparent, and concerns were handled effectively.

A personalised residents’ guide was available to all people and their families, providing clear information on key workers, meals, activities, meetings and how to raise concerns, including contact details for the local authority and CQC. This well-presented guide demonstratedimprovements made since the previous assessment.

The home had a visible and approachable manager who was well regarded by people and relatives. Many people said they would recommend the home to others. Overall, the service was well led, with strong relational leadership and opportunities to improve formal engagement.

Updated 27 October 2025

People felt that they were kept safe in the home, and staff were available when needed. Families felt their relatives were safer than when living at home. Although staff supported people’s mobility and used equipment such as pressure mats appropriately, relatives felt that name badges and clearer identification would improve accountability. Overall, people experienced safe care, but someprocedural aspects required strengthening, for example some relatives felt the signing in process could be improved; “they use a book but often there’s no pen, and there’s no confidentiality, all can read who’s been in”. Others disagreed: “It is very easy to visit; we are made welcome no matter the time. There are no problems getting staff to see you in and out, signing in is straightforward.” Care planning was generally thorough and regularly reviewed, though some relatives reported limited involvement or awareness of their family member’s plan. Staff showed strong understanding of individuals' needs, including complex physical or neurological conditions. A relative told us: “They have a detailed care plan, and we review it with them every six months, fitting it with when we are visiting in any case. We haven’t had anything significant to raise as they’ve always rung to report any changes.” People and relatives consistently described staff as kind, patient and respectful. Strong relationships were observed, and staff were praised for understanding individual personalities, preferences and communication styles. People felt included and valued, and relatives said the home had a warm, family like atmosphere. Staff supported privacy and dignity well, and approached care with sensitivity, including for those living with dementia. Overall, people were treated with compassion and respect, and staff demonstrated‑ genuine interest in residents’ wellbeing. The home supported people to maintain routines and personal preferences, and activities were generally well received. People could choose social time or quiet time, and individual interests such as knitting, crafts or dancing were encouraged. Transitions into the home were supported sensitively, especially where people were anxious or had previously had poor experiences elsewhere. People’s changing needs were recognised, and staff facilitated contact between family members living separately within the home.