Dearne Valley Care Centre

There was a strong and visible person-centred culture, with dignity, respect, and person-centred care at the heart of the service.

People were safeguarded from the risks of abuse. Risks associated with people's care and support were managed effectively to ensure people were safe. Medicines were administered as prescribed and stored safely. There was enough staff available to ensure people's needs were met and their preferences adhered to. Lessons were learned when things went wrong. The service was clean and well maintained.

Care plans included people's life histories, personal preferences and outcomes. Care plans were reviewed, and people were referred to health professionals as required.

Staff were extremely dedicated in ensuring people consistently received a high standard of care in line with their needs and preferred choices. People we spoke with were complimentary about the staff and told us their privacy and dignity were maintained.

Staff had an excellent understanding of people’s diverse cultural needs, including the values and beliefs that may influence how people choose to receive care and support.

We observed staff interacting with people and found staff were supportive, friendly and caring. The atmosphere throughout the home was exceptionally positive. Staff were very good at helping people achieve positive outcomes, building confidence and independence to better manage people’s mental health.

A range of activities and social stimulation was provided by staff and an activities co-ordinator. Activities were innovative and met people's needs. The provider had a complaints procedure which was available and accessible. End of life care arrangements were in place to ensure people had a comfortable and dignified death. People who used the service, their relatives and staff were encouraged to feedback their opinions about the home and were part of the service development.

Staff training was provided, and staff confirmed they received supervision sessions and annual appraisals. Staff felt supported by the management team. We spoke with the cook regarding people's dietary needs and found they were knowledgeable about people's preferences. Food served looked appetising and people told us they enjoyed meals at the home. Healthcare professionals were involved in people's care when required.

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.

People living at Dearne Valley Care Centre, their relatives and the staff were all positive about the registered manager and about how the home was run. Effective systems were in place to support the continuous improvement of the service. Staff and leaders worked well together to ensure consistency of care. There was clear leadership, and it was evident who the leaders were within the organisation. We found a welcoming and positive culture within the home.