People who live at this service have a variety of needs associated with physical disability, and some have cognitive impairments, for example dementia, and therefore have special communication needs.Five residents were interviewed during our visit to the home, and feedback was sought from others including relatives, and a health professional who was visiting the home. Information had already been gathered from the local authority, and by reviewing complaints and safeguarding information received during the last 12 months, we were able to form a comprehensive picture of how things are going at this home.
Those people we spoke to told us staff treated them well and were respectful towards them. This was supported by observations made during this visit. Residents and relatives spoken with did not appear to be involved in any formal way in care planning, and this was highlighted to the manager for her attention.
Whilst staff were noted to be kindly and caring, there were reports of there being insufficient staff. Care needs appeared to be being met, but there was little in the way of mental stimulation for residents. Residents and visitors alike commented on how busy the staff seemed to be.
There were mixed comments about the meals at this home. The manager had identified some of the problems from discussions with residents and relatives, and had already made some changes.
Residents and relatives spoken with said they felt secure at this home, one person summed up the general comments received when they said: 'My mother is safe, has got a roof over her head, a comfortable bed, and more than enough food.'
Residents spoken with said they had no complaints about the home. Some relatives did have concerns, and this was reflected in the notes of the relatives' meeting. One relative was also able to give a very favourable report about how a complaint had been handled well.
During our visit to the home, a number of compliments were received about individual staff members, as well as particular groups of staff, such as the care staff and the housekeeping staff, and these were passed to the manager for her attention. When residents were asked how they were treated by staff, responses included: 'Very well so far' and 'Very good.' One noted they were treated 'Very respectfully.'