Merwood Rest Home

“Staff demonstrated a good understanding of safeguarding and recognised the signs of potential abuse. They knew how to report concerns and took time to get to know people, enabling them to identify changes that may indicate a safeguarding issue. Information on reporting concerns, including contact details for external agencies, was displayed throughout the home.”

“Staff supported people to take positive risks whilst maintaining their rights and freedoms. People were involved in risk management and care planning and were supported to make decisions about accessing the community and activities independently where appropriate.”

“People were supported in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). Staff and managers demonstrated a good understanding of the principles of the MCA and how these applied in practice. People can only be deprived of their liberty to receive care and treatment with appropriate legal authority. In care homes, this can be done through a procedure called the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), which is part of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). We checked whether the service was working within the principles of the MCA and how they managed DoLS within the service. We found staff demonstrated a good understanding of the use of an urgent DoLS application to safeguard a person who had been assessed as being at immediate risk of absconding and experiencing significant harm.”

“Recruitment processes were robust and helped ensure only suitable staff were employed. Appropriate pre-employment checks had been completed before staff commenced work. There were sufficient numbers of staff deployed to meet people's needs safely and effectively. Staff consistently told us staffing levels were good, and people using the service said they received support when they needed it without unreasonable delays.”

“Systems were in place to monitor and maintain the safety of the environment. Regular audits and environmental risk assessments were undertaken to identify and mitigate potential risks. While some areas of the home appeared worn and in need of refurbishment, and certain areas required decluttering to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations, management had recognised these issues and had developed plans to address them.”

“Medicines were managed and administered safely. Medicines were stored securely, and staff followed current legislation, guidance and best practice when handling medicines. Records were completed accurately, and people and their relatives were kept informed of any changes to prescribed medicines, helping to ensure people received safe and person-centred support.”

“Effective”

“People's needs were assessed, regularly reviewed and reflected their physical and mental health, sensory, social and communication needs. Care plans had recently been updated and improved, with people and their families involved in decisions about their care. Changes to people's needs and support were communicated effectively between staff through detailed handovers, which included…”