Braywood Gardens

Date of Assessment: 28 January to 5 February 2025. Braywood Gardens is a ‘care home’ providing personal care and support to older people and people living with dementia. On the day of our visit the service was supporting 44 people with their personal care needs. Braywood Gardens was last rated inadequate (published 29 August 2024). At our last assessment, we found improvements were needed and the service was in breach of legal regulation in relation to safe care and treatment, consent, staffing, governance and dignity. At this assessment, we found improvements had been made. People were involved in assessments of their needs. Staff reviewed assessments taking account of people’s communication, personal and health needs. Care was based on evidence and good practice. People had enough to eat and drink to stay healthy. Staff made sure people understood their care and treatment to enable them to give informed consent. Family and significant others were included in decision making in people’s best interests where they did not have capacity to do so themselves. People were treated with kindness, compassion and dignity. They treated them as individuals and supported their preferences. People knew how to give feedback and were confident the provider took it seriously and acted upon it. Leaders were visible, knowledgeable and supportive, helping staff develop in their roles. Staff felt supported to give feedback and were treated equally. Staff understood their roles and responsibilities. The manager knew the service well. The culture of the service was positive, and the atmosphere was relaxed. It was clear the manager was passionate about the service and committed to continuous improvement. However, the lack of reliable and effective quality assurance in relation to medicines meant that service delivery risks had not been picked up and addressed to ensure people received medicines as per prescribed instructions. We received assurances the provider had addressed these.