Active Neuro Kibblesworth Gateshead

Date of Assessment: 10 to 24 October 2024. Kibblesworth is a residential care home providing personal care for up to 16 people who have sustained an acquired brain injury or are affected by a degenerative neurological condition. When we visited 15 people used the service. Staff had received training around the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and associated code of practice. However, they needed more guidance around how to complete capacity assessments and ‘best interests’ decisions. Care records detailed people’s needs; we discussed enhancements that could be made to people’s life histories and the support plans; the management team were invested in improving them. An effective quality assurance system was in place. Staff were extremely positive about the management team and how well they were supported. They felt the service had a good learning culture and people could raise concerns. The provider routinely celebrated successes. The service was a finalist in the NR Times award for going the extra mile and the registered manager had been nominated for an award for person-centred practice. Staff had also won awards to enhance the garden. People found staff treated them with dignity and kindness. Staff sought people’s views about how to support them and, when appropriate, relatives were included in discussions. Staff understood people's needs and how to manage any presenting risks. People reported the service had really enhanced their quality of life. Recently, exceptionally good practice had been provided when people had reached the end of their lives. Staff worked closely with other professionals such as physiotherapists. Professionals told us they were impressed by how staff ensured people received consistent support. The registered manager enabled staff to deliver person-centred care. There were enough staff with the right skills, qualifications and experience to meet people’s needs. Staff managed medicines well and involved people in planning any changes.