People told us what it was like to live at this home and described how they were treated by staff and their involvement in making choices about their care. They also told us about the quality and choice of food and drink available. This was because this inspection was part of a themed inspection programme to assess whether older people living in care homes are treated with dignity and respect and whether their nutritional needs are met. The inspection team was led by a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspector joined by an expert by experience who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of service.
During lunch we used the Short Observational Framework for Inspection (SOFI). SOFI is a specific way of observing care to help us understand the experience of people who could not talk with us.
People told us that they liked the staff and they were treated with respect. They told us they could make choices about their lives and that their visitors could come at any time. Comments included, 'The staff are nice, I can have a joke with them.' Relatives told us they were consulted wherever possible and their wishes were taken into account. Comments were, 'They get 100% care here' and 'Only just mention something and it is done.' One visitor told us how the staff had supported them to have a meal on a special occasion with their relative. They said they appreciated this act of kindness.
People spoken with told us they liked the meals provided and they had enough to eat and drink. One person spoken with told us they could have a hot breakfast if they chose to. They said, 'Breakfast is good. I have fried eggs and bread.' Relatives spoken with said they visited often and the meals looked well presented and appetising.
People said they would tell staff or their relatives if they had any concerns. The relatives spoken with said they felt completely comfortable to mention anything to the staff.
People told us the staff spoke to them in a nice way. One person said, 'I feel I can talk to them.' Some people spoke affectionately about specific staff members. One person spoken with told us call bells were answered quickly. Relatives spoken with praised the staff team. They said staff were always available and described acts of kindness they had completed to ensure visitors were made to feel welcomed and included in their relative's life.