Stour Road Care Home

Care plans were detailed and contained relevant information about how to support a person in the ways they preferred. Information regarding specific health conditions were not person specific, we raised this with the registered manager and they immediately sought to rectify it. Staff knew people well and they encouraged people to live good lives.

Risk assessments were comprehensive and contained relevant information to support staff to keep people safe whilst living their lives. Risk assessments were clear and detailed, especially for those who needed support due to emotional distress. Staff knew people's risks well and were clear on how to raise concerns if they thought someone was at risk of harm or abuse. Staff were confident their concerns would be followed up and acted upon, they also knew who to contact outside of the home if needed.

People received their medicines as prescribed, staff who gave medicines were trained and had their competency assessed. Safe procedures were in place for ordering and storage. Robust recruitment processes meant people had the necessary skills and qualifications to provide care and support to people. The necessary checks had taken place to establish staff suitability. There were enough staff on duty, however, unplanned sickness and shortages of staff meant recruitment was ongoing.

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 necessary authorisation to deprive a person of their liberty was in place and conditions within them met fully by the home. This meant they were acting in full compliance with the law, protecting people's rights.

Quality assurance and governance systems operated effectively. Audits and checks were undertaken and a multi-layered approach to management meant the service could continually learn and improve. The registered manager was respected and known for their open and transparent practice. The home had good links with external agencies and worked well with others.

Staff felt proud to work at Stour Road Care Home and we received positive feedback about the management of the home following changes within recent months. Staff felt appreciated and were involved in the home.