The Gables Retirement Home

Updated 14 July 2025

Date of Assessment: 21 July to 29 July 2025. The service is a residential care home providing support to adults, some of whom live with dementia. The service is registered to support up to 35 people. At the time of our inspection, 13 people were living at the service.

This inspection was to follow up on previous enforcement action we took against the provider at our last inspection.

The provider was previously in breach of the legal regulations in relation to good governance. Improvements were found at this assessment and the provider was no longer in breach of regulations.

Some areas within the environment were still in need of updating, including signage to help people navigate around the building. However, a clear refurbishment plan was in place. Accidents and incidents were regularly reviewed and analysed. A lessons learned approach was in development to reduce re-occurrence when things went wrong. Improvements had been made and people’s care plans and risk assessments contained accurate and consistent guidance to support people safely, informed by nationally recognised tools and healthcare professional recommendations. Leaders were proactive in initiating investigations when safeguarding concerns were raised to ensure people’s immediate safety. People received support in line with their assessed needs. Staff were effectively deployed. Medicines were stored, administered and managed safely.

Staff reported improvements in team working, and information was effectively shared internally and externally. Systems were in place to monitor people’s health and wellbeing and people were supported to access relevant healthcare services as required.

Staff provided person centred care and were proactive in responding to people’s requests for support. Staff reported an improved morale within the workforce.

Since our last inspection, a new manager was in post. They had worked with the senior leadership team to address our previous inspection findings. They had impacted positively on the culture within the staff team. At this inspection, systems to oversee risk and quality were organised and effective. The provider, and staff, showed a commitment to continuous learning. Leaders were visible and clear in their roles and responsibilities. The provider worked well with partner agencies.

Updated 14 July 2025

People and relatives told us they had not always been involved in reviewing their care plans. Otherareas for improvement fed back by relatives included more bespoke activities and support for their loved ones, and communication with the service about their loved ones day to day care.However, most relatives were aware of our previous inspection findings and reported overall improvements in the safety and leadership of the home since we last inspected. One relative told us, “We are happy with [person] there and they are happy there.” Another shared, “Now [person] is genuinely happy, not stressed, smiley and not depressed since being at the home.”

People told us they felt safe using the service, and we observed people to be comfortable in the presence of staff. Overall people and relatives were satisfied with how accidents and incidents were managed.

People and relatives told us staff were patient and kind, and interactions with people were positive. During our inspection, staff were observed to create a warm and inclusive atmosphere, taking time to speak with people outside of their care tasks. People were observed to take part in activities.

People and relatives had been introduced to the new manager and told us there were opportunities for people and relatives to share their views, such as meetings and surveys. Most felt their feedback was listened to and acted on.