Sonya Lodge Dementia Residential Care Home

People received the support they needed to stay healthy and to access healthcare services. Each person had an up to date care plan, which set out how their care and support needs should be met by staff. These were reviewed regularly.

Medicines were stored and managed safely by staff. There were policies and procedures in place for the safe administration of medicines, which staff followed. Staff training records confirmed staff had been trained in medicine administration and competency checks carried out.

People continued to receive care from staff who were well supported with induction and training. Staff received one to one supervision and annual appraisals. A member of staff said, "We have opportunity to bring up suggestions for improvement in the quality of care provided at supervisions. If it is a good idea, the registered manager makes changes."

Staff understood the importance of promoting people's choices and provided the support people required while promoting and maintaining independence. This enabled people to achieve positive outcomes and promoted a good quality of life.

The staff were caring and knew people, their preferences, likes and dislikes well. We observed people's rights, their dignity and privacy were respected. Staff supported people with their lunch at a gentle pace whilst engaging with them. People continued to be supported to maintain a balanced diet and staff monitored their nutritional health.

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. We saw that people participated in activities, pursued their interests and maintained relationships with people that mattered to them.

People had end of life care plans which detailed what would make them felt well looked after and safe when they feel unwell.

The service was well led. Effective quality audits were in place and continuous improvement and learning were embedded in the service. The registered manager was open and transparent, and people, relatives, and staff felt involved in decisions about the service.