Firstlings

This report details an inspection of Firstlings, a care home providing accommodation and personal care for up to 32 older people, including those with dementia. The inspection found that the service offers an outstanding experience, placing residents at the heart of all care decisions and ensuring their individual needs, wishes, and preferences are consistently met. Residents and their families consistently reported feeling exceptionally safe and well-cared for, highlighting the warm, homely environment created by the dedicated staff. The service is praised for its proactive approach to promoting independence and dignity, with staff going above and beyond to ensure residents lead fulfilling lives.

On safety, residents and their families expressed feeling very secure, with staff well-trained to recognise and report any concerns of abuse. Robust risk assessment processes are in place, and proactive measures like decorating mobility aids are used to prevent falls. Medicines are managed safely, and effective infection control procedures are maintained. There are sufficient staff to ensure residents' well-being, and recruitment processes are thorough.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents' needs are thoroughly assessed before admission, and care plans are developed collaboratively with individuals and their families. Staff receive comprehensive induction and ongoing training, ensuring they are equipped with the skills needed to provide high-quality care. The home offers varied and nutritious meals, with attention to individual dietary needs, and works effectively with healthcare professionals to ensure timely access to necessary services.

The service excels in providing caring support, with staff consistently described as kind, compassionate, and attentive. Residents feel truly respected and valued as individuals, with staff taking the time for meaningful conversations and providing emotional support. This person-centred approach has fostered a warm and homely atmosphere, which is deeply appreciated by residents and their families, contributing significantly to residents' well-being and sense of belonging.

Regarding how responsive the service is, residents are actively supported to have maximum choice and control over their lives, with care delivered in the least restrictive way possible. Policies and systems are in place to support this, and appropriate procedures are followed when individuals may lack capacity to make decisions. Residents and their families are encouraged to provide feedback and are confident that any concerns raised will be addressed effectively, with systems in place to learn from incidents and complaints.

Finally, on how well-led the service is, the registered manager is recognised as an outstanding role model, setting high standards and values. Staff understand their roles and responsibilities and work together as a cohesive team. There are effective systems for monitoring service quality and driving improvements, ensuring a consistent and high standard of care is maintained for all residents.