Squeaks House Residential Care Home

Squeaks House Residential Care Home provides personal care for up to 29 older people, including those living with dementia. This report details the findings of an inspection conducted in October 2019, examining the home’s performance across five key areas: safety, effectiveness, caring approach, responsiveness, and leadership. Overall, the inspection found areas of strength and positive feedback from residents and their families, while also highlighting specific aspects requiring improvement to enhance the quality of care and safety for all individuals.

Regarding safety, while residents generally felt secure and staff were aware of safeguarding procedures, improvements were noted as necessary in consistently identifying and addressing environmental risks. Specific actions were taken by the provider during the inspection to rectify issues such as securing wardrobes and ensuring correct window restrictors were fitted. The report also recommends the adoption of a pain assessment tool to better support staff in identifying pain in individuals who may have difficulty verbalising it.

In terms of how effective the care is, the service consistently achieved good outcomes for residents. Assessments of needs were thorough and involved residents and their families prior to admission, ensuring the home could meet specific requirements. Staff received comprehensive training and regular supervision, contributing to their ability to provide effective care. Support for residents’ nutritional needs was also highlighted, with catering staff demonstrating awareness of individual preferences and dietary requirements.

The service was found to be caring, with residents and their relatives frequently praising the staff for their kindness, compassion, and friendly approach. Staff demonstrated a deep understanding of individual residents' needs, preferences, and routines, fostering strong relationships and a positive, welcoming atmosphere. Residents were encouraged to maintain their independence and were actively involved in decisions about their care, with their privacy and dignity consistently respected.

Concerning responsiveness, the home actively involved residents and their families in care planning discussions, ensuring that care was delivered according to individual wishes. Residents knew who to approach with concerns and felt confident that any issues would be addressed. The environment and activities were adapted based on feedback, with improvements noted in areas such as the garden and the overall lightness of the lounge.

Finally, on how well-led the service is, management and staff were described as motivated and enjoying their work. Robust governance systems were in place, allowing for the assessment of service provision and the identification and resolution of shortfalls. The registered manager demonstrated a good understanding of their responsibilities, including those under the Mental Capacity Act, with processes in place for assessing capacity and making applications where necessary.