Blythgate Manor

A registered manager was in place. The registered manager is registered with the Commission and is legally responsible to ensure that the service is compliant with legal and regulatory requirements.

This was the first inspection of the service.

Blythgate Manor was very well-led. The provider, registered manager and staff team were passionate about people's well-being and went above and beyond to help people achieve their goals and aspirations by building their confidence and breaking down barriers to help them enjoy an improved quality of life.

Relatives and professionals described the personalised care and support that was tailored to people’s individual needs and preferences. Staff showed a strong respect for people's diversity, valuing everyone’s unique identity and needs. The staff team knew people very well and provided support discreetly and with compassion. People were supported to maintain contact with relatives and friends. Staff followed best practice around supporting people with some complex needs due to living with dementia, which led to people retaining their communication skills and identity. The activities co-ordinator ensured people were supported to experience a range of meaningful activities and entertainment.

There was very clear evidence of collaborative working and very good communication with other professionals to help meet people's needs. Relatives and professionals described how people received personalised care and support that was tailored to people’s needs and preferences.

The service was flexible and adapted to people's changing needs and wishes and promoted their independence. There were examples of some significant improvements to the well-being of people due to the care they received. Risks to people had been assessed and care plans were in place to help mitigate risks as far as possible, including when people may be distressed or anxious. Care records were detailed, person-centred and reflected people's care needs.

An extensive programme of refurbishment was taking place, as areas of the home were showing signs of wear and tear. The provider told us they had plans to ensure the environment was better designed to meet the needs of people who may live with dementia or a dementia-related condition including to keep them orientated and informed.

Accidents and incidents were investigated, action taken, and lessons learned. However, we discussed that systems needed to be strengthened to ensure where people received a modified diet, they were served the correct meal to ensure their safety. There were sufficient trained staff who worked with other professionals to ensure people's needs were met in a safe and person-centred way. Staff were attentive and treated people with kindness and compassion. People enjoyed a varied diet. Systems were in place for people to receive their medicines in a safe way.

People's diversity as unique individuals with their own needs was well-respected by staff. The regular staff team knew people well and provided support discreetly and with compassion. People’s privacy was respected, and people were supported to maintain contact with relatives and friends.

The culture of the service was friendly, open and transparent where people's and staff voices were listened to in order to continually improve the quality of care. People, relatives and staff were confident about approaching the registered manager if they needed to. They recognised that their views and feedback were valued and respected and consistently used to support quality service development.

The registered manager and provider were continually developing the service to meet and maximise people's outcomes. Effective auditing systems were in place.