The Lindens Care Home

The Lindens accommodates people across three units, which includes the main house and two wings. People have their own ensuite facilities. The home have three double bedrooms available to couples or family members who wish to share. The service have a large dining room, separate smaller dining area and a variety of sitting areas throughout the home.

Improvements were made to safeguarding processes to safeguard people. However, safeguarding incidents had not been reported to the Local Authority safeguarding team in line with the Multi- Agency safeguarding policy. Alongside this we had not been notified of incidents involving injury to people.

People's care plans and associated records were in the process of moving over to electronic records. Whilst improvements were made to many records relating to the running of the service, people's records were not suitably maintained and reflective of their needs.

Systems were in place to manage accidents, incidents and prevent reoccurrence. Safe medicine practices were promoted. Risks to people were identified and actions taken to mitigate risks, including infection control risks. Staff had a good knowledge of the people they supported which further reduced risks to them.

Safe recruitment practices were established, and staff were better supported, inducted and trained to support people. Sufficient staff was provided with management support provided as required, including on call support to staff.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported did them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

The registered manager had brought about positive changes to the service. They had improved communication within the team and with relatives. Relatives were welcomed and encouraged to be involved in their family members care. The registered manager had commenced auditing of practices and was aware what improvements were needed to further improve the delivery of person-centred care.

Staff, people and relatives were complimentary of the registered manager who was described as "Approachable, kind, caring and acted as a positive role model to staff." A relative commented "Changes in the home since the last inspection have all seemed positive and a noticeable improvement. There is now a regime that; respects and welcomes contact with relatives and establishes good working practices in administration and staff organisation, while still giving an aura of friendly care."