Ann Challis

Date of Assessment: 22 and 23 October 2024. The service is a residential care home providing support to older women living with dementia. People felt safe. People and their families were involved in assessments of their needs. Staff understood and managed risks. Assessments and risks were regularly reviewed. Managers investigated incidents, and actions were taken to reduce the possibility of a reoccurrence. The home was clean throughout. Equipment was serviced and maintained. There were enough trained staff on duty to meet people’s needs. Staff supervisions and staff meetings were used to discuss good practice. People received their medicines as prescribed. People enjoyed the food, and their nutritional needs were met. People’s health was monitored and feedback from medical professionals was positive about working with the home. Staff sought people’s consent before providing support. Where people did not have capacity to make decisions, their relatives were involved in agreeing best interest decisions on their behalf. People and relatives said staff were kind. We observed positive interactions throughout the assessment. Staff responded to people’s needs in a timely way. Staff knew people’s individual needs and protected their privacy and dignity. Activities were arranged for people to take part in if they wished to do so, including external singers. The home had a pet dog, which some people enjoyed taking out for a walk with staff. People and relatives said communication with the home was good. They said they could speak with the manager if they needed to, and any concerns would be listened to and resolved. People’s wishes for their care at the end of their lives was discussed with them. Governance systems were in place and any actions identified had been completed. The management team, including the director, were visible in the home and were said to be approachable. Staff enjoyed working at Ann Challis and felt well supported. Feedback from partners was positive.