Thatcham Court Care Home

People received safe care. Any risks to them were assessed, documented and mitigated to protect against avoidable harm. People were protected against abuse, neglect and discrimination. There were enough staff deployed to ensure people were safe. The premises and equipment were well-maintained, clean and tidy. Accidents and incidents were recorded, people received appropriate support afterwards and the service learnt lessons if things went wrong.

Staff were knowledgeable and skilled. They were competently able to provide the support people required. They were provided with frequent training in relevant areas of care specific to the service, which included additional complex skills. There were very good links with community care professionals which ensured people maintained a healthy lifestyle. People received effective support which met their individual needs. A holistic assessment was carried out which included people's cultural, religious and lifestyle histories. We made recommendations about the staff training in oral hygiene and the publication of food allergens.

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.

We observed people's support was very caring. Relatives, commissioners and professionals described the service as very caring and staff as kind. Without exception, people were routinely treated with dignity and respect. One person's feedback stated, "The staff were always caring and did their jobs well, but they now receive the leadership and guidance to help them become the best they can be."

There were improvements to care planning. People's care was specifically tailored to their individual needs

and life. There was a clear emphasis on supporting people to lead full and active social lives. People were encouraged to enjoy themselves and follow a broad range of activities. All staff were motivated and committed to provide people with personalised experiences that met expectations. Staff valued people's individual differences and responded in line with their preferences for support. People's diversity was recognised and promoted by the staff. People were supported to follow their faith and culture, and to maintain important family relationships.