Firbank House

This report summarises the findings of a recent inspection at Firbank House. The inspection focused on evaluating the care and services provided to residents, particularly in light of previous improvements. Overall, the report indicates a positive shift in the home's performance, with notable enhancements across several key areas since the last review. The findings provide families with an overview of the current standards of care and management at Firbank House.

On safety, residents reported feeling secure, with identified risks being managed effectively. There were systems in place for safe medication management and robust infection control measures were evident, including appropriate use of personal protective equipment. The home’s cleanliness was maintained, though some decorative aspects were identified for ongoing improvement as part of a wider development plan. Recruitment procedures were found to be sound, and staff demonstrated a good understanding of safeguarding protocols.

Regarding the effectiveness of care, residents were supported to have maximum choice and control over their lives, with staff acting in their best interests and employing the least restrictive approaches. Care records were up-to-date and consistently guided staff, particularly concerning dietary needs. Safety equipment was maintained, and emergency plans were in place.

In terms of how caring the service is, staff spoke highly of residents, and residents themselves expressed positive feelings about the care they received. The introduction of an activities coordinator has led to personalised activities based on residents' interests, such as the creation of a library and organised reading sessions.

The responsiveness of the service meant that residents' needs were being met, with staff responding promptly to call bells even when busy. Feedback from relatives was noted as mixed, although the provider has a plan in place to address concerns and improve engagement. The home is actively working on an improvement plan for the environment.

Concerning how well-led the service is, there's a clear commitment to continuous improvement, with regular audits and follow-up actions ensuring quality and safety are well-monitored. The management team, including the registered manager, has a strong understanding of their roles and responsibilities. The provider demonstrated a duty of candour, being open and honest when issues arose, and worked effectively in partnership with other agencies to enhance residents' quality of life.