Meadowcroft Care Home

People's health risks were assessed and mitigated, care plans guided staff to support people safely. Where people were at risk of falls, the registered manager investigated possible causes and put measures in place to minimise reoccurrence. People were kept safe from the spread of infection, staff received infection prevention and control training and had appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

People were supported by enough staff who knew them well. Staff completed an induction period which included shadowing an experienced member of staff. The registered manager supervised staff and discussed further training opportunities with them.

People confirmed staff asked their consent before offering support. Staff told they always requesting permission before supporting a person, our observations confirmed this. People were cared for by staff who upheld their dignity and autonomy. When people spoke of the care staff, comments included, "I am very happy here, the staff are very helpful. They know me well." A relative commented, "I have a lot of respect for the home and the staff, they have so much patience."

People were able to freely move around the service as they pleased. Dementia friendly signage and clocks helped people remain orientated to time and place. People's bedrooms were personalised to their needs and wishes. People had brought furniture from their previous residence, and their ornaments, paintings, and photographs were displayed.

People contributed to their care plans and received care tailored to their individual needs. Relatives were involved in their loved ones' care and were kept well informed. One relative said, "I am kept up to date with changes or if the doctor is needed. They tell me everything including how much [person] has eaten."

People were encouraged to plan and attend social activities; staff responded to people's requests and met their wishes when they asked to spend time with staff on a one to one basis. The community was welcomed into the service, this included entertainment, visiting children and animals. The registered manager told us,

"I personally believe that age is no barrier for living a full and active life. I really believe that is the truth." People could welcome their loved ones into the service and were enabled to go out with them.

People were complimentary about the registered manager's leadership style. The registered manager involved people using the service and encouraged feedback, including complaints. One relative told us, "I think [registered manager] is very experienced, they run the home firmly and fairly, there is no doubt about who is boss, it's good, you need a strong leader. They are very nice to residents and the staff seem happy."

The registered manager undertook various quality assurance processes and had a clear vision for the service. The quality assurance processes were effective, findings contributed to an action plan for continued improvements. Staff and management were keen to learn and work with health and social care professionals. One social care professional told us, "I think since the new provider has taken over the staff are more approachable, you see staff around more."

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.