The Malthouse Care Home

People had personalised and regularly reviewed risk assessments which helped to minimise risk related to areas of their lives such as mobility, dietary intake and skin integrity.

The service was working within the principles of the MCA and if needed, appropriate legal authorisations were in place to deprive a person of their liberty.

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

Medicines were managed safely and were only administered by staff with the relevant training and competency checks. People told us they received their medicines on time and as prescribed.

There were enough suitably trained staff on shift to meet people's needs. Staffing levels had recently increased. People told us they were supported in a timely way. Our observations confirmed this.

Accidents and incidents were reported and analysed to identify any themes and trends. This helped prevent a re-occurrence. Learning was shared within the home and between sister homes.

Although staff said they felt appreciated by the management within the home there was mixed feedback from staff about provider recognition of their work. We raised this with the provider for follow up. A staff survey was currently underway.

The home had a friendly, open and supportive culture. Staff said they felt proud to work for The Malthouse Care Home and described the culture as "like a family."

People and relatives described the registered manager and deputy manager as approachable and keen to resolve issues when raised. Staff said the registered manager had brought a number of improvements since coming to the home including increased staffing levels and improved activities provision.

Staff were actively encouraged and supported to gain new skills and qualifications.

Annual surveys were held to gain feedback from people and relatives which was analysed and used to drive improvement. Positive feedback had been received in a recent survey.

A health professional spoke positively about the home, felt it was well managed and described it as "a home from home."