Archived: The Shrubbery

We spoke to people at the home and they told us that they have no concerns about being able to make choices, one telling us that 'Make choices and people do not tell me what to do'. One person told us that they get up very early in the morning but this is their choice.

We did talk with people living at the home and they told us that they are generally satisfied with the care that they receive although some commented on the lack of things to do. Some said to us that the staff followed up on their health needs contacting healthcare professionals as needed or requested.

We spoke with a visitor who told us the were involved in agreeing care arrangements for their relative, and had signed a care plan. They informed us that they are kept up to date about their relative's progress, and supported to have involvement in their care. They said their relative has changing preferences; staff said to respond to these by always offering them choices. They told us that staff ensure people's healthcare is maintained and that staff respond appropriately if there is an emergency, where needed dialing 999 for an ambulance. They were confident that staff could tell when their relative was unwell and needed assistance. They also told us that they were aware of the provider's plans to employ an activity co-ordinator. They said to us that the best thing about the home was 'Fact know mother is safe' and that they have confidence in the staff.

People did tell us that there was a need for more activity and we heard from one person who likes to go out. Whilst staff facilitated this where possible, this was dependent on the time they had available. They said 'Can go out if someone available to take me, not always someone around'. This person was however well informed of the risks if they were to go out unaccompanied, and accepted these.

People told us that there is open visiting at the home, with people only requested to avoid mealtimes.

We saw that people responded well to the care staff, with the staff seen not to make assumptions asking people as to the assistance they wanted. We saw that when staff responded to people they stood in front of them where they could be clearly seen by the person they were communicating with.

We talked with people about their views of the food they received at the home and they expressed satisfaction, although one person told us that choices were limited. They said that this was not due to the lack of choices though, but more around their health needs. They did say that staff tried to offer them the same choices as other people, taking into account their dietary needs. They said that 'Staff do what they can do can't do nothing else'.

Another person we talked with told us they liked the foods available and that they had access to foods that met with their cultural needs.

One person told us that 'Staff keep bringing drinks'. A relative we spoke to told us that staff were good at encouraging people to eat and drink.

People told us that they felt safe living at the Shrubbery. They also told us that they are aware of the how to raise concerns, one telling us that they had done so, and issues raised were addressed. People have told us that they are aware of how to make comments to management, if necessary by the complaints procedure. We have heard that a recent formal complaint to the provider has yet to recieve a written response to concerned parties though.

People also told us that they had some choice and did not feel they were restrained or restricted. We were also told that people are 'Encouraged' by staff where they needed assistance with their personal care and there was never any use of 'coercion'.

People living at the home told us they have no concerns as the cleanliness of the Shrubbery and that there are never any untoward odours.

People told us that they are aware of the on going extension to the home, and have been kept informed by the home's provider as to its progress. We have heard concerns as to the impact on going building work is having on people living at the home, this with regard to their health and safety.

We observed staff administering medication to see what this means for people living at the home. We saw the staff member carry this out safely and with due consideration for peoples wishes and choices.

People told us that they have confidence in the staff that care for them and said 'staff look after you, do food, keep clean' and 'staff ok'.