31 May and 30 December 2010
During a routine inspection
Food, we were told is "all very good, frozen but very good" (frozen meals are heated up on site). People made comments like "they give me milky drinks all day which I love and have at home, my favourite", which tells us that individual preferences are met.
We talked to people about the environment and they told us that they had their "own room and can lock the door for privacy". People felt that Abbotsvale was kept spotlessly clean and said that they could 'have a bit of a laugh with the cleaner who is really warm and friendly', whilst their room was being cleaned.
In terms of support and family involvement people told us that there is 'always someone to talk to sometimes I don't want to and that's respected". On the downside, some people said they "can't get off [and] feel a bit trapped", when we asked them about going out. Conversely, other people who were nearing the end of their stay told us they had 'been out into town today'.
Relatives told us that they find Abbotsvale "very friendly [and are] always offered a drink within moments of arrival" and very satisfied with the care and support both their relations and they receive. Some people use Abbotsvale as a support resource whilst continuing to live at home and their relatives told us that community care workers are 'very skilled in getting XXX to go to the day centre and won XXX trust over' and the support 'is very well organised'.