Dover Cottage Rest Home

At the last inspection there had not been a registered manager in post and we found some issues with regards to quality checks of medication procedures. We found improvements had been made, although we highlighted a few areas to be addressed regarding people's medicines and safety checks. People felt safe living at Dover Cottage, were involved in the service through surveys and felt listened to. Activities took place on a more individual basis, but people had also asked for the opportunity to go out more. The provider was investing into the redecoration of the service and making the garden more accessible, so it could be used safely by everyone.

There was a registered manager in post at this inspection and staff felt well supported. Staff were involved in the development of the service through regular meetings and questionnaires. We heard that the registered manager had successfully taken steps to improve the culture and atmosphere of the service.

The service worked effectively with different professionals to meet people's needs and promote their health and wellbeing. There was plenty of food for people to choose from and staff encouraged people to eat well and drink enough. The registered manager listened to and acted on external feedback to make improvements. The progress made was evidenced in the monitoring undertaken by the local authority and commissioners had no concerns about the service. We heard positive comments from relatives and also saw many thank you cards praising staff for their kind, respectful care, particularly at the end of people's lives.

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.