The Brandles

The Brandles is a residential care home that currently supports six individuals with learning disabilities and mental health needs, providing a clean, well-maintained environment focused on independence and personal choice. The inspection noted that the service follows proper principles of support, and residents are encouraged to remain active and involved in daily routines.

When it comes to safety, residents are protected by trained staff who understand risk management and follow safe recruitment and medicine handling practices. However, inspectors found that staff initially failed to follow national guidance regarding face masks upon arrival, though this was addressed immediately, and the provider acknowledged that infection control policies need better alignment with national guidelines.

The care provided is effective, with staff receiving robust induction training, including specific education on learning disabilities and autism. Residents enjoy balanced meal options, maintain active lifestyles in the community, and benefit from recent refurbishments to their bedrooms and living areas, alongside a newly installed breakfast bar that helps preserve their independence despite kitchen access being restricted for safety reasons.

Residents experience caring and compassionate support from staff who respect their privacy, dignity, and cultural needs. Individuals are actively involved in daily decisions about their meals, clothing, and household tasks, and they are encouraged to maintain relationships and enjoy hobbies, such as caring for chickens recently brought to the home.

The service is responsive to individual preferences, featuring personalized care plans and bedrooms decorated with personal memorabilia. While care plans are generally person-centred, inspectors recommended adding more detailed information regarding residents' long-term health conditions so staff can monitor them more closely.

Leadership and governance are active, with new systems introduced by the provider to improve oversight and make daily operations smoother for the staff team. Although a registered manager recently resigned just before the inspection, a new manager was already identified and put in place, and management is actively working on strengthening governance frameworks and infection oversight.