Brant Howe Residential Home

Staff understood how to protect people from abuse and recruitment processes ensured new staff were suitable to work with vulnerable people. There were enough staff to meet people's needs and to ensure their safety.

People received their medicines when they needed them from staff who had been trained and had their competency checked. We noted a potential issue around some medicines that were administered 'as required' and have made a recommendation about this in the 'Safe' section of the report.

Risk assessments enabled people to retain their independence and receive support with minimum risk to themselves or others. Infection control was well managed and the home was following the COVID-19 rules and guidelines. The home was clean, tidy and free from hazards. A programme of improvements concentrating on fire safety was underway at the time of the inspection.

People's care and support needs were assessed prior to them using the service to ensure their needs could be met. Where people's needs could not be met, the home worked well with others to ensure people were appropriately supported.

People were supported to live healthy lives and had access to health and social care professionals and a well-trained staff team. People also had a good choice of meals. Drinks were available at any time of day and night.

The home worked in partnership with other organisations to provide effective and consistent care. 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.

People were treated as individuals which helped protect their dignity. Their equality and diversity was respected by a caring staff team. Staff understood the importance of giving people their time and the

importance of encouraging people to maintain their independence.

People's care was tailored to their needs, routines and preferences and staff knew people well. People had access to a range of organised activities. These included trips away from the home. Although COVID-19 rules had prevented full engagement with organisations and people in the community, we noted the registered manager and deputy were preparing to have more meaningful community contact consistent with relaxation of the rules.

Safe visiting processes were in place to ensure people could see their visitors when they wished and could maintain relationships that were important to them. People and relatives said they did not have any complaints about the service but were confident to raise any issues.

People were happy with the way the service was managed and staff felt valued and enjoyed working at the home. There were effective systems to assess and monitor the quality of the service and the practice of staff and appropriate action was taken when shortfalls were noted. People's views and opinions of the service were sought and acted on.