13 November 2012
During an inspection in response to concerns
When people needed referral to external health professionals, this was documented and acted on quickly.
Records showed people received regular interaction through group activities and planned individual approaches.
A dementia care consultant had delivered dementia training to all staff. They supported the activities coordinator to run a memory support group.
Information we received suggested people were not given enough help to eat and that the provider did not respond adequately to concerns raised through relatives' meetings.
We observed provision of lunches throughout the home. We found no significant waiting time for meals although one person told us evening meals presented staff with more challenges. A visitor said they observed breakfast to be poorly organised for some people.
In the dementia units staff members sat at each lunch table providing encouragement and practical help to eat meals. Staff awareness and actions concerning nutritional planning were not well reflected in written records.
Relatives' meetings had highlighted issues about the service of food. There was evidence people's concerns had been, or were being, addressed. Visitors and people in the home told us they were satisfied with the arrangements for making complaints.