8 June 2012
During a routine inspection
One patient showed us their care plan which was illustrated with photos and pictograms to make it easier for them to read. They told us why they were staying at Kent House and that they liked the staff and were happy with the arrangements made for their care and support. They told us that they were learning how to cook and prepare meals for themselves and that they were looking forward to moving out to live in a group home in the local community. They told us that they enjoyed a range of activities and had just got back from a visit to town where they had enjoyed a hot chocolate and bought a magazine. They showed us their room which they had personalised to reflect their character and interests.
The other patient we spoke with told us that they had made significant progress since moving into Kent House. They said that they valued their independence and appreciated the way staff respected this. They told us how the staff had worked with them to help them regain confidence so they could live independently in the community.
A visiting relative of one of the patients said 'in their view Kent House was a centre of excellence'. They told us how the staff had worked tirelessly to get to know their relatives needs, personal and preferences and had learned how to respond to their behaviours with clam reassurances and minimal intervention. They said they 'appreciated the way managers and staff were very open with them'. They told us that they had benefited from regular meetings had seen and agreed their relatives care, support and intervention plans. They also told us told us that they found the staff to be professional, well trained and always courteous and welcoming. They said 'the care treatment and support provided their relative was an example of excellence'.