Oakridge House Care Home with Nursing

Accommodation was provided on two floors accessed by stairs and lifts. The home is divided into residential and nursing households. There are various units within the home including a short stay unit. This was for people living in the community who needed additional care to prevent unnecessary admissions to hospital. People moved into the unit to receive care and support from various healthcare professionals to help them improve their independence.

People were kept safe from avoidable harm as risks to people's safety were identified and guidance put in place. Risk management plans were reviewed regularly and when any needs changed. Staff had been given training on safeguarding and understood what they needed to report. Systems were in place to make sure any concerns were reported to local safeguarding teams.

People were living in a building that had regular checks for maintenance and safety. Health and safety systems were robust and included checks of equipment being used. Fire systems were also checked and there was a clear process for emergency evacuation which staff were aware of. Incidents and accidents were recorded and reviewed, and action taken to prevent reoccurrence. The home was clean and had good infection prevention and control procedures in place.

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 and relatives had opportunities for engaging and sharing their views, results were shared and visible on notice boards. People could have visitors when they wished.

People had enough staff to support them safely. The home had no challenges with recruitment and did not use agency staff. Staff had been recruited safely and received training for their roles. Staff told us they felt very well supported by management teams and were able to share their ideas for improvements. There were regular staff meetings with minutes kept. Those we spoke with all said they would recommend the home as a good place to work.

Quality monitoring systems had improved, and the provider had installed an electronic system to improve oversight. Regular audits took place which helped to improve quality and safety, and these were carried out

by different staff. The registered manager told us she tried to involve staff in quality monitoring as much as possible as this gave different views and improved oversight.

People, relatives, and staff all told us the service was well managed. There was a registered manager in post who had been at the service for many years. There was a good staffing structure in place and the registered manager had good support in her role.

Staff worked in partnership with a range of local professionals. The local GP visited the home at least weekly and spent most of the day visiting people and reviewing health needs. Communication was good and we observed staff working well as a team.