Graceage Care Colchester

We have made recommendations about the assessment and monitoring of risk and the assessment and recording of people's care and support needs.

Peoples medicines were managed by staff, however, audits were not undertaken to ensure people were receiving their medicines as prescribed. Staff were recruited safely and in line with best practice guidance, and all staff had received training to complete their roles appropriately.

The providers understanding of people's capacity, and capacity assessments was minimal, however, additional training and guidance was being sought to improve this. Care plans contained basic information about people's likes and preferences, and were more task focused. People's end of life wishes had not always been considered or documented in their care plans. People gave us mixed feedback about staff preparing food and drink.

People told us staff were kind and respectful, encouraging their independence. People spoke positively about the care they received, and the staff providing their care. People were asked for input on their care plans when they were reviewed.

The registered manager was open and transparent, and demonstrated great enthusiasm in looking to improve the service, and the care provided to people. The provider worked well with external agencies to drive improvement, and people and families' feedback was actively sought. The provider had commissioned an external consultant to help identify improvements needed within the service.

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 did not always support this practice.