Vida Court

Staff spent time exploring people's history to establish how they liked to dress, their favourite perfume/aftershave or jewellery as well as how they would usually spend their day so this could be replicated within the home. This helped people feel good and increase their self-esteem. The registered manager was passionate about ensuring each person could live their life as they wished. They promoted equality and led by example, promoting a strong message that anything was achievable by working together and treating everyone as individuals.

The provider's ethos of ensuring excellence remained at the forefront of everything shone through each and every staff member and their approach to supporting people. Senior leaders and staff underpinned the core values of Vida Healthcare demonstrating respect, dignity, fairness, equality and autonomy. Staff spent meaningful time getting to know each person and things that were important to them.

A truly person-centred approach was adopted in relation to new admissions to the home. This included accommodating several visits to the service so people could get to know staff as well as exploring how people wished for their bedroom to be decorated and furnished or what sentimental items were important to them and why.

Meaningful relationships had been developed which were based on trust and mutual respect. Innovation was led by the use of the latest research and professional literature and fully embedded throughout the service. Staff often thought outside the box to support people to engage in difficult conversations, communicate their needs and understand their preferences.

People, relatives and professionals highly commended staff's ability to respond with patience and knowledge when supporting people. Staff used specialist training to successfully manage situations where people were distressed without the use of physical restraint. This was also recognised by the Restraint Reduction Network whom Vida Court had an accreditation with.

The service regularly reviewed people's needs and worked with relatives and other professionals to ensure any barriers were overcome.

The service truly enriched people's lives by helping people to fulfil wishes and aspirations no matter how big or small. Staff helped people to relive memories, such as festive holidays and special events and encouraged people to make new memories with loved ones, such as organising birthday parties and inviting them to activities taking place in the home.

Collaboration with external professionals had led to significant improvements in people's health. This included increased acceptance of support with personal care leading to a reduction in the use of chemical restraint medication.

Person-centred care was echoed throughout the service, and this included how people wished to be cared for at the end stages of their lives.

People, relatives and staff told us the service was led by an exceptional management team and their visions and values were at the heart of the service. The management team used every opportunity to develop, discuss, promote and implement innovative ways of involving people in developing a high quality, outstanding service.

Staff described an inclusive, open working environment and they were extremely proud to work at Vida Court. There was a strong framework of accountability by the management team to monitor performance and risk.

Staff developed positive, trusting relationships with people that helped to keep them safe. Systems and processes were established and followed to ensure any safeguarding concerns were appropriately reported.

Staff were well supported to ensure they had the skills and knowledge to carry out their role to a high standard. The training facilities available not only provide staff with learning opportunities, but they also allow people living at Vida Court the opportunity to contribute and reflect.

Safe recruitment processes were in place and thoroughly followed to ensure only suitable staff were employed and people were encouraged to be part of the recruitment process. There was enough staff on duty to ensure all aspects of people's care and support needs could be delivered in a person-centred way.

The design and décor of the home had been carefully considered the construction stage to ensure it was reflective of best practice guidance in relation to supporting people living with dementia.

People's cultural and personal needs were fully considered by staff who were kind, caring and showed empathy towards people and their relatives.

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.