Darley Hall Care Home

“Who the service is for”

“The service supports older people, including people living with dementia and people with physical health needs.”

“Our view of the service”

“We carried out this assessment from 17 June 2026 to 23 June 2026. This service was previously rated good. We carried out this assessment to confirm whether the rating of good remains accurate. This report does not provide detailed information on areas where we found practice continues to meet a good standard. Instead, our findings focus on any areas where the service needs to improve or where we found exceptional practice.”

“The provider had instilled a learning culture within the home and encouraged feedback from people, their relatives, and staff. For example, the electronic signing in system had a feedback prompt when people signed out as they left and the provider used any feedback for a 'you said, we did' system of making improvements. One staff member told us, "If we have a problem, the managers sort it out, they take time to listen."”

“People were supported by staff who had the skills and knowledge to support them safely. Risks were assessed and people were involved in the process. Staff understood and managed risk while supporting people to take part in activities. There were effective systems in place to safeguard people from abuse. The environment was clean, and well maintained inside and outside the home, with appropriate safety checks completed. Medicines were managed safely across the home, with good systems in place, clinical oversight and effective involvement from GPs and other health professionals. Where we found issues relating to the environment and minor issues with the kitchen and labelling of body creams and eye drops, the provider was receptive to our feedback and ensured our concerns were actioned swiftly.”

“Care plans were in place, were person centred and covered key areas of people’s needs and risks. Care was delivered by consistent staff who knew people well. This also supported staff to recognise changes in people’s needs and respond effectively. Daily notes were detailed and clear. For example, it was recorded when someone did not want to do an activity provided in the home and what activity they chose to do instead.”

“Staff were observed delivering patient and supportive care, assisting people at their own pace with drinks and personal needs. Staff respected people's dignity and developed warm, trusting relationships. Caring interactions and respectful communication were central to the culture. One staff member told us, "I love talking to the residents". People were encouraged to lead their lives in their chosen way and took control of decisions about their care. Care plans reflected people’s preferences, and people were supported to maintain these, with one person commenting, “I’m drinking chardonnay, it's very nice!” Independence was encouraged and supported. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives. A visiting professional said, “I can’t fault them… if anyone wants anything, they are there, they show compassion.””

“Care records captured life histories, religions, and any care preferences, which helped staff tailor routines, activities, and meals. The registered manager told us how they supported people to have personalised rooms and items, "You will see ornaments, picture frames, some residents want their own bedding." People were encouraged and supported to express their views and be actively involved in their care. People’s preferred communication styles were known and respected. The service demonstrated…”