Highfield Care Home

Staff had received training in safeguarding people from abuse and understood their responsibilities. Staff understood how to support people in a way that ensured risks were managed, whilst respecting people’s choices and individuality. There were sufficient staff deployed, and staff received the training and support they needed to undertake their roles effectively. On the first day of our inspection, we found medicines were managed and administered safely on one of the homes units but not always on the other. The registered manager responded immediately to areas of concern identified. Action was taken during the first day of our inspection to increase oversight and put in extra checks and systems to immediately respond to our findings. They were robust, very detailed and covered all areas of concern found during inspection.

Detailed assessments were completed with people, and their relatives, prior to people starting to use the service. Care records were regularly reviewed with people and updated when needed. Records included information about people’s health conditions, and staff worked well with health and social care professionals. Assessments of people’s capacity, and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) applications were made where required.

There was an extremely friendly and relaxed atmosphere throughout the home. We observed staff supported people in an unhurried and respectful way. Staff were very friendly, polite and pleasant. They treated people with empathy and compassion and spoke fondly about the people they supported. People’s individuality and personal, cultural, social and religious needs were understood, valued and respected.

People’s individual communication systems and styles were respected and valued. Staff involved people in decisions about their care. The home was purpose built, with wide spacious communal areas and easy access to all parts of the home. Staff completed training in equality and diversity to understand and reduce inequalities or prejudices that affected outcomes for people. There was an inclusive and welcoming culture.

The management team had a culture of openness with staff, people, relatives and other professionals. There was a strong commitment to person-centered care and support, that valued and respected people as individuals. They understood their role and were very committed to leading by example and ensuring people who lived there were at the heart of all decisions. The provider and registered manager had good oversight of the service. The registered manager had a systematic and evidence-based approach to learning, development, evaluation and continuous improvement of the service.