Dimensions Somerset The Brambles

People were supported by enough staff to ensure their safety. When staffing levels were reduced, people were safe but their care and/or activities could be affected. Relatives did express some concern about the impact lower staffing levels had and the use of temporary staff. Staff recruitment was ongoing.

People were safe at the home. They were comfortable and relaxed with the staff who supported them. Relatives thought the home was a safe place for their family members to live. Staff knew how to recognise and report concerns about possible abuse.

People were supported to have meals of their choice. We observed very good mealtime interaction and support provided by staff.

Risk assessments were used to ensure people received safe care and support according to their individual needs. Risks to people's physical health had been considered and planned for.

People received their medicines safely and at the right time. People were protected from catching and spreading infections.

People lived in a home which was well-organised, with clear lines of responsibility and accountability. There was honesty and accountability when things went wrong.

There was a clear structure within the staff team ensuring staff understood their own roles and responsibilities. Relatives and staff had high confidence in the management team.

Audits, surveys and observations were used to try to improve the care and facilities for people; where shortfalls were identified action was taken to make sure improvements were made. There was a clear, up to date improvement plan for the service. There was good support from senior staff within the organisation to help improve the service and develop new initiatives.

Staff training, support and teamwork were good. We saw staff were positive and engaged with people, treating them with kindness, dignity and respect.

Staff worked in partnership with other professionals, such as speech and language therapists and GPs to make sure people's individual needs were met.

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 service was able to demonstrate how they were meeting the underpinning principles of Right support, right care, right culture. People were seen as individuals and were well supported so they could lead fulfilling lives. Staff treated each person with dignity, respect and respected their abilities, choices and human rights.

Right Support: The Brambles is a small care home, based in the community. People had their own rooms but also shared communal areas so people could spend time together. Most people had lived at the service for many years and saw the service as their home. People were supported to make choices, be involved in 'home life' and to take risks.

Right Care: People received personalised care, although staffing shortages could impact on the choices people had and in quality and consistency of care. There was a reliance on temporary staff, although staff recruitment was ongoing.

Right culture: The registered manager led by example. There was a positive culture at the service. Staff were committed to the provider's values, aims and objectives. People, staff and relatives were involved in the running of the home. Ideas for improvement were welcomed and incorporated in the home's development plan. There was an honesty and openness about things which needed to improve.