Dearnevale

Staff demonstrated a high level of knowledge of each person who lived at the home. Extra training had been provided for staff around specific diseases, to ensure they had the correct, high level of skills and knowledge to meet the needs of each individual. Assistive technology was widely used to aid communication and ensure maximum involvement in all aspects of daily living.

Visitors were warmly welcomed at the home. People were fully supported to maintain relationships and to follow their interests and hobbies. Staff supported people to achieve their full potential and fulfil their own goals and objectives in very creative ways. Concerns or complaints were dealt with efficiently and honestly. People's wishes for the end of their lives were respected.

There was a very clear culture of absolute respect and kindness within the home, emanating from every member of staff and led by a visible and supportive management team. Staff demonstrated a high level of pride in the service and their roles within it and spoke with enthusiasm and passion about their work.

The service actively and positively participated within the local community. For example, the home had run an after school club one day per week last year. This had been a tremendous success and the service was intending to repeat the experience in the near future.

People felt safe at the service and systems were in place to help ensure their safety. Appropriate risk assessments were kept in people's care files. Staff were recruited safely and there was a consistent staff

team who had worked at the home for long periods of time. Staffing levels were sufficient to meet the needs of the people living at the home. There were safe systems in place for managing medicines and staff completed regular medicines training.

Thorough pre-admission assessments were completed and care plans included a range of health and personal information. Staff were supported with a thorough induction and a comprehensive on-going training programme. 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 practice.