Archived: Kentford Manor

People were generally complimentary about the service. One relative told us 'It just gets better and better.' Another told us, 'People are happy here and I feel my relative is safe and well looked after. '

During this inspection there were 63 people using the service and a number of new admissions taking place in that week. We saw that people had comprehensive needs assessments before their admission and people's needs were documented so staff knew what care to give. Records were regularly evaluated and there were systems in place to audit records to make sure they were up to date. The service was able to provide residential and nursing care and accommodated people who needed palliative care and people living with dementia. This meant that the service could meet most needs without it being necessary for people to move should their needs change.

The service had enough staff to meet people's needs and designated staff providing activities. The manager said there was money in the budget to recruit an additional member of staff to provide activities.

We saw there were good recruitment processes in place to ensure only suitable staff were employed. There were good systems in place to induct, train and support staff so they were able to provide high standards of care.

There was effective management of the service with regular audits to ensure the service was being managed and run efficiently and provided safe and effective care for people using the service. People were involved and consulted about their care which meant the service met their needs and expectations.

We spoke with six people using the service and two relatives. One person told us, 'The staff here are wonderful and encourage me to stay independent. I choose not to socialise but staff always ask me.' They said the food was not always to their liking. 'It's cooked from frozen not fresh.' Another person said, 'I am very satisfied, I am treated with respect.' Another said, 'It is difficult to stay stimulated, people fall asleep in the afternoon, but I try and stay awake as long as possible. Days are long.' We observed staff interacting with people and offering them a choice of activities.

We observed lunch in one area of the service and saw that there were sufficient staff to assist people with their meals. People were encouraged to be as independent as possible and aids were provided to assist their independence such as plate guards and slip mats.

The service was furnished to extremely high standards and provided comfortable and safe accommodation, which was appropriately maintained.

The manager had systems in place to measure the effectiveness and quality of the service being delivered. Regular audits were completed and actions identified when the service fell short of expectation. We saw evidence of good consultation with people who used the service, relatives and visiting professionals.