Eothen Residential Homes - Wallsend

Risks to people were identified and systems were in place to reduce them, including falls, skin integrity, eating and drinking, and accessible means for people to go outdoors. Health and safety checks were regularly conducted. Accidents and incidents were recorded, and actions were taken to mitigate the risk of reoccurrence. Lessons were learned and shared across the staff teams as required, with reflective practice sessions being available so staff could learn what to do better next time.

Staff understood how to protect people from poor care and abuse. Staff had training on how to recognise and report abuse and knew how to do this. The service had enough safely recruited staff who were appropriately skilled and knew people's needs to help keep them safe.

Assessments were person centred and care was very responsive to people's needs. There was an established and motivated staff team highly trained to carry out their roles effectively. The service and home environment was accessible and had been adapted to meet people's needs.

Distinctive leadership at location and provider level had achieved a service that was effective and responsive. The service was innovative and dedicated to ensuring continuous quality improvement to make a real difference for people. The provider worked alongside local universities who undertook research projects around care and wellbeing. For example, the service had been part of a research project about the benefits on people if staff didn't wear uniforms. One relative told us how this made a difference, "I like that they don't wear uniforms, I feel it puts everyone at ease."

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.

The building was well-maintained, spacious and had plenty of room for activities. Throughout the home

there were no restrictions, all residents could access all floors, gardens and communal areas as they wished. The gardens were enclosed and designed so people looped around the home and could easily find their way back in. This was well received by people and their relatives. One relative told us, "Security is excellent, nothing is locked which doesn't restrict people, but all external doors are alarmed, if someone goes outside, they know where people are and can still keep an eye of them."