Fleet Hall Care Home

This report from the Care Quality Commission provides an overview of Signature at Fleet, a care home offering accommodation and personal care for up to 78 individuals, including those living with dementia. The inspection assessed the service against five key areas: safety, effectiveness, caring, responsiveness, and leadership. The findings indicate that the home generally provides a good standard of care.

Regarding safety, potential risks to residents were carefully assessed, and measures were put in place to ensure their well-being with minimal impact on their freedom. Safeguarding procedures were effective, and residents felt safe. Medicines were managed appropriately, and staff handled a recent COVID-19 outbreak effectively according to guidelines. Recruitment processes were safe, and any incidents were reviewed to prevent future occurrences. One area for attention was the colour of the corridor walls on the reminiscence unit, which was noted as not being dementia-friendly, though the provider was aware and planning to address this during upcoming refurbishments.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents' needs and choices were assessed and their care plans were developed in line with best practices, leading to good outcomes. Staff possessed the necessary skills and knowledge, and residents received nutritious food and drinks. Any risks related to eating and drinking were identified and managed. While staff collaborated well with external agencies to meet residents' healthcare needs, the colour of the corridor walls on the reminiscence unit was an area noted for improvement in adapting the service design.

The caring aspect of the service was highlighted by staff treating residents with kindness, respect, and compassion, recognising and meeting their emotional needs. Residents were involved in decisions about their care, and their privacy, dignity, and independence were promoted. Staff provided good support for residents at the end of their lives. Care was personalised, reflecting individual needs and preferences, and staff understood residents' communication requirements.

In relation to how responsive the service is, residents received personalised care that acknowledged their individual needs and preferences, with staff demonstrating a good understanding of how to meet these. Communication needs were also well understood and addressed. Residents had opportunities for social engagement within the home and in the wider community.

Finally, concerning how well-led the service is, the registered manager fostered a person-centred, inclusive, and open culture, and staff felt motivated and proud of their work. A robust governance framework was in place to monitor performance, and processes were established to gather feedback and drive improvements. Staff actively used these processes to monitor quality and identify areas for enhancement, working collaboratively with external professionals.