Holmwood Rest Home

People were safe and protected from harm, procedures in place meant risks were managed well. There were enough staff who were skilled to provide care and support. People received medicines as prescribed. Lessons were learnt from events within the home. Infection prevention and control measures were robust. People can only be deprived of their liberty to receive care and treatment when this is in their best interests and legally authorised under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). In care homes, and some hospitals, this is usually through MCA application procedures called the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). We checked whether the service was working within the principles of the MCA, whether appropriate legal authorisations were in place when needed to deprive a person of their liberty, and whether any conditions relating to those authorisations were being met.

People’s needs were assessed, they received care that achieved their outcomes. Working with external professionals and services to meet people’s needs. Health needs were met, access to resources to support people to live healthier lives. Consent was sought and people were involved in their health, wellbeing and supported to make choices in their care. If there was a concern a person lacked capacity to make individual decisions, an assessment was carried out in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA).

Staff were supported by the management to understand the vision for the service. The service had a homely, relaxed feel. Staff were supported well and therefore put everything into the care they provided for people. People felt staff knew them well and were kind.

People and staff worked as a team in their care. The home worked to ensure everyone was communicated with in the way they preferred. Barriers to communication were challenged and addressed. Equality and diversity were considered, and the principles embedded within the service. Feedback was requested and listened to in an informal way throughout the home. Improvements were continual dependent on what and how people wanted to live.

Leadership was visible. Processes were in place to ensure the service operated safely. Good, well established, links had been made with external professionals. People and staff had confidence in the management of the service and felt included in decisions made. The registered manager had made all necessary notifications and information sharing as required. The home was monitored to ensure continual learning and improvements.