Brendoncare Alton

Brendoncare Alton is a nursing home that provides care for up to 80 older people, with a specialisation in dementia care across two of its five households. The home has recently undergone a significant refurbishment, aiming to create a comfortable and familiar environment for residents. This report summarises the findings from a recent inspection.

On safety, the home has robust systems in place to protect residents from abuse, and staff are well-trained to identify and report concerns. Medications are administered safely by competent staff, and there are sufficient numbers of staff to meet residents' needs promptly. While equipment is generally well-maintained, a minor issue with unused bed rails was identified and immediately rectified.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents' needs and choices are thoroughly assessed before admission, with care plans updated to reflect this information. Staff receive comprehensive induction and ongoing training, ensuring they have the skills to support residents effectively. The home’s environment has been thoughtfully designed to be homely and aids in residents’ independence, although a temporary delay in lunch service was noted on one occasion.

The care provided is consistently kind, compassionate, and respectful. Staff are dedicated to understanding residents' individual preferences and ensuring their dignity is upheld. Residents are actively involved in decisions about their care, and their views are sought and valued, with support provided for those who need assistance with decision-making.

Regarding how responsive the service is, residents receive individualised care plans that are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changing needs. The home provides various opportunities for social engagement and activities, and resident feedback is actively sought and acted upon, including concerns and complaints. Residents are also well-supported in discussing and planning for their end-of-life wishes.

Finally, on how well-led the service is, there is a clear and positive culture focused on residents' well-being and continuous improvement. The provider actively seeks feedback from both residents and staff, and there is a strong governance framework in place to identify and address any risks. The home collaborates effectively with other healthcare organisations to ensure seamless care.