Yew Tree Cottage Residential Home

Yew Tree Cottage was found to be a good service where people received safe and effective care. People told us they felt safe and well supported by staff, and we observed warm, kind and respectful interactions throughout the home.

The environment was clean, well maintained and welcoming, including the garden, which people spoke positively about. Risks were well managed, staff understood safeguarding processes and there was a clear learning culture when incidents occurred. Staffing levels were appropriate to meet people’s needs and staff were well trained, supported and knowledgeable about the people they cared for. Minor improvements were identified in relation to recruitment record-keeping and medicines management, including cold storage arrangements and dating of some medicines, which managers acknowledged and took action to address. People’s needs were assessed before they moved into the home. Care plans were personalised, regularly reviewed and reflected people’s preferences and routines. Staff knew people very well and supported them to maintain their independence and make choices wherever possible, including choosing how to spend their day, when to get up or go to bed, and being involved in decisions about their care.

People and relatives were positive about the quality of care, describing staff as kind, patient and attentive, and said they would feel confident raising concerns if needed. Staff worked closely with health and social care professionals to ensure continuity of care.

Leadership and governance arrangements were effective, with an open and inclusive culture where people, relatives and staff felt listened to and valued. The culture was one of compassion, teamwork and continuous improvement.