Oakwood House Care Home

Staff were clear about safeguarding people from avoidable harm and safeguarding concerns were referred and investigated. Risks were documented and managed well, but some daily records needed to be completed more diligently. An electronic records system was being introduced to help ensure this improves. The safety of the environment, equipment and systems, such as the fire system, were well maintained and monitored. Infection control risks were well managed and the service was clean. Medicines were administered safely and there were enough staff to meet people's needs. More activities staff were being recruited to make up a shortfall and ensure people had access to activities every day.

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's needs were assessed before they came to live at the service and care plans reflected their needs and preferences. Some people's discharge information from hospital was not always accurate which was a challenge for the service and actions were in place to try to improve this situation. People's healthcare needs, including their oral healthcare, were well managed and clearly documented. People enjoyed the food and were very positive about the dining experience. There was good monitoring of people's weights and prompt referrals where people were found to be losing weight.

The environment was suitable for the client group and there had clearly been investment in it. People enjoyed the facilities on offer including the garden.

Staff were safely recruited, well trained, supported and developed. There was a focus on further developing nursing staff's confidence and skills. The staff were kind and caring and people told us their privacy and dignity were maintained. People were involved in decisions about their care, although some relatives commented they had not had an opportunity to review their relative's care in recent months.

People's care plans and risk assessments reflected their needs and preferences. People received individualised care which met these needs. The provider had a programme of activities which covered a wide range of interests. People were positive about activities and wanted more opportunities.

Complaints were managed well, and the service had effective and robust quality assurance systems in place to monitor the safety and quality of the service. There was good partnership working with other health and social care professionals.