Southgarth Care Home

The service was effective. The assessment and care planning arrangements ensured each person's care and support needs were met. Staff training had improved and was consistent. New staff completed an induction training programme. The registered manager had ensured all other staff completed the programme of mandatory training to keep their knowledge and skills up to date. People were able to access the healthcare support they needed with the staff team making any arrangements as required. People received the food and drink they needed to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Any preferences they had regarding food and drink were accommodated.

People were encouraged to retain as much choice and control of their daily lives and staff supported them in their best interests. The service was meeting the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.

The service was caring. People were looked after by staff who were kind and friendly and listened to what they had to say. Since the registered manager took up post there had been a significant turnover in staff. Feedback we received from people and their relatives evidenced this had been positive for people because the staff team were now better. They received person-centred care and made their own decisions about their daily life. The staff team were fully aware of each person's specific needs. People looked well cared for.

The service was responsive. Each person was involved in drawing up their care plan and having a say in how they wanted to be looked after. The plans were reviewed monthly and amended as and when needed. This

meant any changes in care needs were accounted for and people continued to be looked after in the way they wanted. The service endeavoured to continue looking after people who became very ill or had end of life care needs. They achieved this working in conjunction with family and healthcare professionals..

People were able to participate in a range of activities and were continually asked what they would like to do. There were no restrictions on visitors and where possible, people were able go out independently, or with staff support.

The service was well led. The registered manager provided good leadership for the staff team and had a plan of further improvements they planned to make to the service. Quality assurance systems and regular visits by the provider/support manager ensured the provider knew what was happening in the service. People were very much at the centre of all decision making in the home and their views and opinions were listened to and acted upon.