16 November 2012
During a routine inspection
We were informed that the service was no longer accepting permanent admissions and a consultation had begun looking at the future provision of community services with the Royal Borough of Kingston. All of the people currently living in Newent House had been assured that places would continue to be available for them within one of the four council residential homes for as long as they needed them. Short term assessment and respite admissions were still being accepted at the time of our visit.
The home is part of the Eden Alternative which has a philosophy of creating communities where people make their own rules according to how they desire to live.
Overall comments about the service included 'I think it's nice here', 'one of the best homes in the country', 'I would not live anywhere else', 'very good' and 'pleased to come here'. Comments about the staff were positive and included 'very good', 'they can't do enough', 'the staff are lovely' and 'the staff are really marvellous'.
Feedback about the meals provided included 'the food's excellent', 'very good cooks here, they spoil me', 'as good as a hotel' and 'more than I can eat'.
The registered manager had recently left the service. Acting managers were in place at the time of this visit.