Sleaford Hall Care Home

People received care which reflected their risks and needs. Risks to people’s health and safety were managed well and appropriate action was taken when people experienced accidents or incidents. Referrals to community agencies were made when people required additional support to keep them safe. Medicines processes and practices needed some improvement to ensure people received their medicines as and when they should. Staffing levels were sufficient to meet people’s needs and people received care and support when they needed it. Staff were recruited safely. They completed the training necessary to meet people’s needs and provide them with safe care. Staff followed safe infection prevention and control practices. The safety of the environment was checked regularly, and we found the service clean and well maintained.

People’s needs were assessed prior to them coming to live at the service to ensure staff would be able to meet their needs. Their needs and risks were reviewed regularly to ensure staff were able to provide care which reflected their current needs. When changes to people’s needs occurred or there were concerns about their health or wellbeing, they were reassessed and any necessary changes were implemented quickly. Where health related investigations or additional support were needed, these were arranged. The registered manager and staff worked closely with partner agencies to monitor people and ensure they received the support needed to meet their needs and manage any risks to the health or wellbeing.

Staff were kind and patient. They provided people with support as and when they needed it, to ensure they remained comfortable and well. Staff encouraged people to be as independent as they could be and to make choices and decisions about their care when they could. They respected people’s right to privacy and dignity, treated them as individuals and provided them with support which reflected what was important to them. A variety of activities and events took place regularly, which people enjoyed. Relatives were welcomed and many visited regularly.

People received individualised care which resulted in a good quality of life. People were listened to and fully involved in decisions about their care. Their care needs were discussed with them, or their relatives when appropriate, to ensure the support provided by staff reflected what they wanted. Joint decisions were made about how to manage any changes in people’s needs, including arranging specialist support from community agencies. People’s communication needs were assessed, and they were provided with information in a format they could understand. People’s end of life care wishes were discussed and documented.

The registered manager and provider focused on providing people with personalised care which reflected what they needed and wanted. The registered manager had the knowledge and skills to manage the service well, and people and relatives found them approachable and helpful. Some improvements to checks of quality and safety were needed to ensure any shortfalls identified were actioned in a timely way. Everyone we spoke with felt able to raise concerns or make suggestions and felt they would be listened to. Staff felt valued and told us they were well supported.