Widecombe House

People told us they felt safe. Staff were trained in safeguarding and knew what to do if they were concerned about the welfare of any of the people who lived at the home.

People continued to receive care that was personalised, responsive to their needs and effectively delivered to ensure the best outcomes were achieved. People were placed at the centre of their care and staff developed strong relationships with people and fully understood what caused each person stress or anxiety. Staff involved people and their relatives in their care and support, so they felt consulted, empowered, listened to and valued, which achieved good outcomes for people.

Staff were passionate about helping people to live happy and fulfilled lives. The home developed and provided meaningful activities for people tailored to people's individual hobbies and interests. Staff understood the importance of meaningful occupation in helping people to maintain their independence.

Staff continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting people to receive a comfortable, dignified and pain-free death. Staff understood the importance of spending time with people to comfort and reassure them whilst respecting their individual wishes. The home received many letters and cards sent by relatives thanking staff for the care, compassion and support they gave to their loved ones at the end of their lives.

Risks to people's health and welfare were assessed and care plans were in place to manage and mitigate the risk. Where people had risks associated to their health needs care plans did not contain sufficiently detailed information to guide staff. However, staff we spoke with were knowledgeable about these health needs and had received training in these areas. We made a recommendation to the provider to ensure records contain sufficient information for staff to follow.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. The principles of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) were followed. However, improvements could be made within the home regarding the way best interests decisions were recorded. We made a recommendation to the provider

about this.

People received care from staff who had received suitable training and induction. There were sufficient numbers of staff on duty to meet the needs of people living at the home and spend quality time with them. During the inspection visit we observed staff had the time they needed to support people safely. If people needed assistance this was provided promptly, and staff were always present in communal areas to observe people and keep them safe.

Appropriate recruitment procedures were in place to help ensure only suitable staff were employed.

Records showed people were referred to the appropriate health care professionals when necessary and that their advice was acted upon. This meant people were supported to maintain good health.

People were very complimentary about the meals provided at the service. Mealtimes were a social affair and meals were enjoyed in a calm and relaxed environment. Where people were at risk of poor nutrition, advice from health care professionals was sought and their recommendations followed.

People received their medicines safely and as prescribed. Appropriate arrangements were in place for obtaining, recording, administering and disposing of prescribed medicines.

People, relatives and staff expressed a very high level of confidence in the leadership and management of the home. Comments included, "The management are lovely. You never feel as if the home is 'managed', it's very personal, more like a home" and "It's managed well. The care is being provided to a high level even when they [managers] are not here and that's a sign of good leadership."

People and their relatives were listened to and there were systems in place to obtain people's views about their care. People and relatives were encouraged to provide feedback on the service and felt they could raise concerns.