Oak Vale Gardens

People's experience of using this service: Oak Vale Gardens in a care home that supports people who have had a brain injury. It aims to support people for a period of two years or less and as such does not consider itself a long term home for people but a treatment centre. People are able to stay there until such a time as they have regained as many skills and independence as possible. If possible, people are supported to visit their family home whilst staying at Oak Vale Gardens or to actively look for a new long term home when ready to move on.

Some people told us that they liked living there and had seen an improvement in their independence and skills due to the treatment and support they had received. Other people could not communicate verbally with us, however their non-verbal communication showed that they felt relaxed and confident around all members of the staff team.

People were protected from abuse and the risk of harm. Staff understood their responsibilities for keeping people safe and reporting any concerns that arose. Risks for individuals were identified and action taken to minimise them. People got their medication on time and as prescribed.

Robust recruitment practices were followed to check staff were suitable to work with vulnerable people. Staff enjoyed working at the home and took pride in supporting people with their everyday lives and to regain skills. They understood their roles and responsibilities and had received training to help them support people safely in line with best practice guidance. There was enough staff available to provide the support people needed.

A multi-disciplinary team worked at Oak Vale Gardens. Staff also worked well with outside professionals in supporting people. Staff said they felt part of the wider team and it was clear from records that the team worked well with other professionals to gain the best outcomes for people living there.

Staff understood and respected people's right to make decisions. Where people had their liberty legally restricted, every effort was made to support the person to take part in decision making. Staff were respectful when supporting people and skilled at changing their approach in accordance with people's individual choices and communication styles.

A clear management structure and experienced registered manager provided good role models within the home and kept a focus on supporting people as individuals to continually improve the quality of their lives.

Rating at last inspection: Good (report published 4 November 2016).