Station Road

People received care and support that reflected their assessed needs, preferences and individual circumstances. Care plans and risk assessments were detailed, personalised and regularly reviewed. People were involved in decisions about how their support was provided and were encouraged to make choices, develop skills and maintain their independence.

People can only be deprived of their liberty to receive care and treatment with appropriate legal authority. In care homes, this can be done through a procedure called the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), which is part of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). We checked whether the service was working within the principles of the MCA and how they managed DoLS within the service. Staff and management worked within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) authorisations were appropriately applied for and overseen. People were not subject to unlawful or excessive restrictions they had choice control and freedom over their lives.

People had opportunities to take part in a wide range of activities and access the local community. People were involved in decisions about meals, activities and improvements within the home through regular discussions and residents’ meetings.

Staff had the knowledge and competencies needed for their roles. They completed relevant training and received regular supervision, competency checks and opportunities to discuss their development with managers. A member of staff said, “Since I've started, I've always felt supported. They [management] are nice people and very supportive”.

Medicines were managed safely, and staff understood what action to take if an error occurred. Staff worked with healthcare professionals, including GPs and district nurses, to monitor people’s health and respond when their needs changed.

There was effective oversight of the service. Managers used audits, spot checks, supervision and competency assessments to monitor quality and staff practice. Records we reviewed were detailed and well maintained, including care plans, risk assessments and hospital passports. Managers responded promptly when improvements were identified and encouraged people, relatives and staff to contribute their views about the service.