Archived: Leacroft

Staff offered people choices and talked to and reassured them when care was being given. They were knowledgeable about those in their care. When we talked to them about the people who use the service they knew their likes, dislikes, hobbies and interests.

Staff talked to us about the people they key worked. They were enthusiastic about them and their abilities. One said, 'XXX knows me. I can tell because she smiles when I come into the room.'

A visiting professional told us, 'The staff seem fantastic. I saw teamwork in action, for example carers letting other carers know where they were and what they were doing.' She described observing a carer assist one person with their lunch. She told us, 'The person she was caring for had no verbal communication, but she knew by non-verbal cues what he needed.'

During our visit lunch was served. People ate in small groups in the dining rooms. Staff sat with people while they ate and chatted to them making the mealtime a social event. People appeared to enjoy their meals, which were well-presented and served from hot trolleys. Discreet assistance was provided where necessary for people who needed help when eating.

To improve the look of the home staff had been asked to come up with ideas on how to make it more homely. As a result of their suggestions throws, cushions, and pictures have been purchased. One of the people who use the service showed us a new picture in his room that he was proud of. A member of staff told us, 'We like Leacroft to look like our own homes, not like an institution.'

Some of the people who use the service have physical disabilities and need a range of equipment to enable them to live as independently as possible. This includes hoists, wheelchairs, and walking frames. However not all the equipment provided was usable and this limited choice for the people who use the service.

The service's new acting manager told us she is keen to improve the quality of the service. A member of staff said, 'I can see that things have improved already since the acting manager came here. I have confidence in her. She will sort us out. She is proving herself and gaining respect.' She told us the atmosphere in the home was good and said, 'Everybody here is so friendly now.'

Historically Leacroft has had a number of managers and this has affected the stability of the service. For this reason it is imperative that any manager is fully supported by the providers to help prevent any further disruption to staff and the people who use the service. Consequently we have asked the providers to submit an action plan showing how they are going to offer the acting manager ongoing support and guidance.