Lakenham Residential Care Home

People said staff were kind and compassionate in their approach. One person commented, "They (staff) are wonderful, they have the right attitude." Relatives commented, "The staff are lovely" and "The staff go over and above to make residents feel at home, happy and secure. Mum has taken a little while to settle in and their patience and professionalism have really helped. The manager (manager name) inspires me with confidence, along with her team. (Staff names) are respectful and kind to residents. The atmosphere there is happy and relaxed. I enjoy visiting!"

The provider was actively recruiting for staff on an ongoing process via various advertising sources. There were effective recruitment and selection processes in place.

People's individual risks were identified, and the necessary risk assessment reviews were carried out to keep people safe. For example, risk assessments for falls, skin care, eating and drinking and pain management. Risk management considered people's physical and mental health needs and showed that measures to manage risk were as least restrictive as possible.

Since our last inspection comfort charts had been introduced where appropriate and handover documentation was more robust to ensure people's risks were managed safely, consistently and in a timely manner.

People said they felt safe with staff; staff practice showed they knew them well. A person commented, "I feel really safe here, the staff look after me. I have no concerns." People were at ease and looked comfortable in the company of staff.

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 found the service was working within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act and if needed, appropriate legal authorisations were in place to deprive a person of their liberty. Any conditions related to DoLS authorisations were being met.

People's medicines were managed so they received them safely. Infection control measures were in place.

The service sought feedback from people who use the service to identify areas for improvement. In response to a change in management in the service and feedback there was a greater emphasis on ensuring people received person-centred care. For example, people developing their life stories in order for care and support to be more personalised according to them as individuals.

People's equality, diversity and human rights were respected. The service's vision and values centred around the people they supported. The organisation's overall statement documented a philosophy of maximising people's life choices, encouraging independence and people having a sense of worth and value. Our inspection found that the organisation's philosophy was increasingly being embedded in Lakenham Residential Care Home. For example, people were constantly encouraged to lead rich and meaningful lives to aid their physical and mental health well-being.

A number of methods were used to assess the quality and safety of the service people received. The service made continuous improvements in response to their findings.