Gifford House Care Home

Care is provided across 4 units over 2 floors. When we inspected all 82 people were receiving nursing care; some were also living with dementia. Each unit has separate communal rooms such as dining rooms and lounges.

Relationships with external stakeholders were not always open and positive when concerns were raised about care. The provider and registered manager had not fully engaged with local networks and external resources and were not always aware of best practice.

Care records were not always completed effectively. A new electronic programme had been purchased which would support improvements in oversight and recording.

Additional staff had been recruited to improve the maintenance of the service. The provider was continuing to enhance the design and décor, in particular, to ensure it supported people living with dementia.

Feedback from people and relatives was largely positive.

There were systems in place to safeguard people from abuse. We made a recommendation about increasing the focus on safeguarding throughout the service. There were enough staff to provide safe care. Planned recruitment of activity staff was in place to support people's wellbeing. Medicines were administered safely. Staff supported people to minimise the risk of infection. There was a consistent management and staff team. There had been a marked improvement in staff training and morale. Staff retention was good and the use of agency staff was reducing. People had personalised risk assessments and care plans. Staff monitored people's health and referred them to external agencies as required. People ate and drank in line with the preferences and needs.

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.