Oakland Court

Who the service is for

This service provides accommodation for, and supports, older people and people dementia.

Key findings

We carried out this assessment on 2 July 2026. This service was previously rated as good. We carried out this assessment to confirm whether the rating of good remains accurate. This report does not provide detailed information on areas where we found practice continues to meet a good standard. Instead, our findings focus on any areas where the service needs to improve or where we found exceptional practice.

People can only be deprived of their liberty to receive care and treatment with appropriate legal authority. In care homes, this can be done through a procedure called the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), which is part of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). We checked whether the service was working within the principles of the MCA and how they managed DoLS within the service. We found that staff and management worked within the MCA. DoLS authorisations were appropriately applied for and overseen. People were not subject to unlawful or excessive restrictions they had choice, control and freedom over their lives.

The provider did not restrict people living under a DoLS with locked doors, instead the service used staff observation and alarmed exit points to enable staff to attend and discuss with people any reason they may have for wanting to leave.

The provider was proactive in the use of technology where it had potential to improve people’s lives and outcomes. Staff were encouraged to use new technology and to trial ideas to keep people both safe and entertained. Staff understood the importance of safeguarding to keep people safe, and other healthcare professionals were positive about the care they saw. One health care professional told us, “The manager is proactive in terms of contact with myself or my colleague for advice, support and to ensure safe practice continues and is effective within the home and for the residents.” The registered manager managed risks with people and with minimal restriction. Staff understood people’s need to be supported to take risks in order to live their lives to the fullest. The home was clean and uncluttered, with shared areas for dining and activities. Medicines were managed by well trained staff using appropriate Electronic Medicines Administration Systems. (Electronic Medicines Administration Systems, often abbreviated as eMAR, replace paper prescription charts and records with digital platforms.) Medicines were stored safely in a temperature controlled room.

People had care plans created on an electronic care system. This prompted staff to address every aspect of care thoroughly and ensured plans were frequently reviewed using reminders of the system. People and appropriate relatives were involved in creating the plan to ensure people’s needs were fully addressed. Staff followed plans to improve people’s outcomes. A family member told us, “She’s bounced back so well due to the care. At one point we thought she was going to die.”

Staff treated people with kindness and compassion, and we saw this during our visit. Staff were friendly, and happy to spend time with people, chatting and helping people with drinks and snacks when needed. People were able to live as independently as their health allowed, with support from staff. The front door was not locked, if people wished to leave for a walk they were able to go out at anytime with support from staff, if necessary.

The provider was keen to embrace new technology and use it to support person centred care. Much of the technology in use was new to the home, there was potential for it to improve care, however this was still being evaluated. People and their friends and families were kept up to date with events at the home from newsletters and closed groups on social media. The registered manager had an office at the front of the home and was always happy to speak with people and visitors. A healthcare professional told us, “The nature of my role brings complex situations where the staff are always vigilant to ensure that the care plan is carried out and we are kept up to date, this liaison ensures that we can be responsive and manage risk and safety for our patients.”

The registered manager was well supported by the provider. Staff knew the importance of their role in the lives of the people at Oaklands Court. The registered manager and provider had clear oversight of the service, using audits and numerous digital systems, including increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. For example, a digital visitor recording system enabled frequent opportunities for visitor feedback; and room monitoring lights to alert staff to unexpected movement.

The provider was aware of their responsibility to sustainability and the environment, and used solar panels, and a scheme to plant a tree for every resident at the home