Amherst Court

A pre-assessment meeting took place with people and their loved ones before moving into the service. The registered manager made sure that their staffing team had the right training and experience to be able to support people's needs. New staff went through an induction period and support continued through regular supervision meetings. People were supported to make and keep health and social care appointments. The service was accessible throughout to everyone living there. People's nutrition and hydration needs were met. 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.

People were treated with kindness, respect and dignity. People's privacy was respected and any cultural, faith or personal lifestyle choices were acknowledged and celebrated. People were encouraged and supported to be as independent with daily tasks as possible within a safe environment.

Care plans were held on a computer system and daily notes were inputted using handheld devices. Care plans were centred around people, highlighting what was achievable independently before going on to describe support needs. People's communication needs were met, and staff provided activities to people either 1 to 1 or in small group sessions. Complaints and concerns raised by people and their relatives were dealt with appropriately. Staff had received training in end of life care.

The registered manager was a visible and a supportive presence at the service and everyone we spoke to spoke highly of them and the wider management team. Auditing processes were in place and people, their relatives and staff all had opportunities to provide feedback and suggestions about the service. Feedback was acted on by the registered manager.