Belmont Grange Nursing and Residential Home

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, however records were not always fully completed. CQC had not always been notified in a timely way when the home had been granted authorisation to deprive people of their liberty. We have made a recommendation about oversight of these processes.

Safeguarding systems, policies and procedures helped protect people from avoidable harm. Staff were recruited safely. People told us they felt safe at the service. Medicines were safely managed, however there was some recent recording errors staff were working to correct. The home was clean, maintained to a high standard and safety checks were kept up to date. Risks were identified and actions taken to reduce these. People were supported by a well-trained and knowledgeable staff team. People were supported to access external health care professionals, to ensure their needs were met. Health professionals were complimentary about engagement and the responsive way staff acted to address people's needs.

People's nutritional needs were met, and people were given enough support with eating and drinking. Management had introduced effective systems to promote hydration. Staff promoted individual's dignity and privacy. Staff supported people in a person-centred way and knew people well, to enable them to provide individualised support. The service provided a range of activities based on people's individual needs and abilities. People were encouraged and supported to maintain relationships and community links. Some people were 'resident representatives' and represented other's rights, taking part in recruitment of new staff or working with local community groups around activities.

Audit systems were in place to maintain standards in the service. People and staff told us the registered manager was helpful, approachable and dealt with concerns if raised. Staff had close links with health professionals, met with them regularly to review people's needs and had taken part in projects, such as around improved communication. People were actively involved in developing the service and their feedback was listened to. There were various ways the service communicated and encouraged involvement, including newsletters and social media. The registered manager was proactive in seeking out initiatives for

the benefit of people using the service.