Oakcroft

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an assessment of Oakcroft, a residential care home. The inspection focused on evaluating the safety, effectiveness, caring nature, responsiveness, and leadership of the service. The findings are based on observations, discussions with residents, their relatives, and staff, as well as a review of relevant records. Overall, the report details how Oakcroft has maintained its previous positive ratings across all five key areas.

On safety, the home has robust systems for medication management, including training and competency checks for staff, and secure storage. Safeguarding is a priority, with staff well-trained to identify and report abuse, and residents and relatives feeling confident in the home's ability to keep them safe. Risk assessments are comprehensive and regularly reviewed, supporting residents' independence while ensuring their safety, with environmental safety also well-managed. The report noted that while agency staff are sometimes used, existing agency staff have been with the home for a while, which is viewed positively.

In terms of how effective the care is, Oakcroft adheres to the principles of the Mental Capacity Act, ensuring consent is sought and best interests are considered. Care plans are person-centred, developed with input from residents and their families, and are regularly reviewed. Staff receive ongoing training and support, including specialist training relevant to residents' needs. The report highlights a positive mealtime experience, with varied menus and staff actively involving residents in meal planning, and residents' bedrooms are personalised to reflect their interests.

Regarding how caring the service is, residents and their relatives consistently described staff as kind, marvellous, and going above and beyond. Staff interactions were observed to be compassionate, dignified, and respectful, with a deep understanding of individual preferences. The service promotes privacy and dignity, with staff knocking before entering rooms and respecting personal space. Residents are actively encouraged to maintain their independence, with staff providing support for daily tasks to build confidence.

When it comes to how responsive the service is, the inspection found that residents' needs are effectively met. Support plans are regularly reviewed to reflect changing needs, ensuring that care remains appropriate and person-centred. The home is adaptable, with efforts made to ensure residents can access amenities like the kitchen, even when specific restrictions might be in place for safety. The report also mentions that the organisation learns from incidents, with robust procedures for recording, investigating, and implementing changes to prevent recurrence, such as enhanced training following past events in other homes within the organisation.

Finally, concerning how well-led the service is, the report indicates effective governance systems are in place that drive improvement. The registered manager is approachable and listens to staff concerns, and there are clear processes for managing the service and ensuring compliance with regulations. The organisation actively learns from incidents and provides specialist advice to improve outcomes for residents. The home also ensures that visitors are welcome and can visit without restriction, contributing to residents' social connections.