Upton Grange

People told us the home was a safe place to be. The building and equipment were well-maintained, and people were supported by sufficient numbers of staff who had been safely recruited. Procedures were in place to manage any safeguarding concerns and staff understood their responsibilities in relation to this.

Safe medication administration procedures and protocols were in place and medicines were administered by staff who had undertaken training and been assessed as competent.

Infection prevention control policies and procedures (IPC) were in place to help reduce the risk of infections, including COVID-19. However, procedures regarding COVID-19 testing for staff require review to ensure all staff consistently undertake tests at the frequency recommended in current guidance. Staff had plenty of PPE available and we saw this was used appropriately. People's friends and family were supported and encouraged to visit safely.

People's consent to their care and treatment was sought in line with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA). People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this.

People's nutritional needs were assessed and met, and people told us they enjoyed the meals available to them. Referrals were made to the dietician or speech and language therapy team as required.

People and their relatives told us staff were caring and treated people with respect. We observed staff engaging with people during the inspection, in a caring and warm manner and people told us they were encouraged to remain as independent as possible. Care files contained detailed, personalised plans of care, which helped to ensure staff knew people's needs and preferences and how to meet them. People were involved in decisions regarding their care.

People were supported and encouraged to participate in activities and events of interest to them and to maintain relationships that were important to them. There was a variety of activities and events that people could participate in if they wanted to.

A range of audits were completed regularly, that covered all areas of the service. They showed that when areas for improvement were identified, action plans were created and followed up on.

The registered manager was fully aware of their responsibilities and regulatory requirements were met. There were clear systems in place to gather feedback from people, staff and relatives, including meetings and surveys, to help encourage engagement. People and their relatives told us they felt the home was well- managed and staff told us they enjoyed their job and would recommend the home.