Devonshire Dementia Care Home

The last rating for this service was good (published 8 January 2020). This comprehensive assessment was undertaken looking at all quality statements under the 5 key questions. It was conducted due to the length of time since our last rating. Following this assessment, the service rating has improved from good to outstanding.

This is because people experience outcomes that were consistently better than expected compared to similar services. The provider delivered exceptional care and support. The provider always supported people to manage their health and stay healthy. The service supported people to live healthier lives where possible. Managers and staff treated people as individuals and always took account of people’s strengths, aspirations, culture, backgrounds and expressed wishes. The provider was exceptional at developing appropriate, accurate and up-to-date information. This was provided in formats that reflected how each person preferred to communicate, managers and staff understood how to implement this successfully. The provider was outstanding at enabling people to share feedback and ideas. Managers and staff always involved people in assessments and decisions about their care. People were supported by managers and staff who always worked well-together with other community-based health and social care professionals and bodies.

People were protected and kept safe. Managers and staff understood and managed risks well. The facilities and equipment met people’s needs, were kept clean and were well-maintained. Staff managed medicines safely. There were enough staff with the right skills, qualifications and experience. Staff understood their roles and responsibilities and felt supported by their managers. Staff were valued and had their wellbeing promoted. The provider had a fair and inclusive culture.

Care plans were personalised, flexible and updated in response to changes in the person’s needs. Staff always supported people to fully maximise their independence, choice and control. Staff enabled people to give informed consent.

People were treated with kindness and compassion, and their privacy and dignity were respected. People received fair and equal care and the service worked to reduce health and care inequalities through training and feedback.

The managers were present in the care home, and were knowledgeable and supportive, helping staff develop in their roles. Staff described the management team as competent, approachable and fair. The provider encouraged feedback, acted on concerns, and managed complaints and safeguarding incidents appropriately. Governance arrangements were effectively operated and the provider maintained clear oversight of care quality and safety through regular checks, audits and reviews. They demonstrated an ongoing commitment to having a shared vision and culture with managers and staff based on continuous learning and improvement.