Riverswey

Riverswey is a residential care home supporting up to three individuals with learning disabilities. This report details findings from an inspection conducted on April 24 and May 13, 2019, focusing on the service's commitment to promoting independence, choice, and meaningful lives for its residents. The inspection assessed five key areas to understand the overall quality and effectiveness of the care provided.

On safety, residents felt secure and well-looked after, with staff demonstrating a strong understanding of safeguarding duties. Risks were carefully assessed and managed to balance safety with personal freedom, and robust contingency plans were in place for emergencies.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents received personalised support tailored to their needs and preferences, with staff receiving ongoing training to enhance their skills. The home actively supported residents in making healthy lifestyle choices and preparing their own meals, and healthcare professionals highlighted the excellent collaboration with the service.

Regarding caring practices, staff were consistently kind and compassionate, fostering strong, inclusive relationships with residents. Riverswey was described as a true home, with staff going the extra mile to ensure residents maintained personal connections and felt supported, even during hospital stays.

In terms of being responsive, the service ensured residents had ample opportunity to live life as they wished, actively participating in community activities and planning holidays. Communication needs were well met, with staff skilled in making information accessible, although the manager was exploring further ways to present data like survey results more accessibly.

Finally, on being well-led, the management team actively championed residents' rights and worked collaboratively to continuously improve the service. There was a culture of reflective practice, with incidents and accidents routinely reviewed to identify learning opportunities. Residents and their relatives felt confident raising concerns, with a clear complaints policy in place, though no formal complaints had been made.