The Grange

This report summarises the findings of a recent inspection at The Grange care home. The inspection focused on key areas of care provision to assess the effectiveness of recent improvements. It details the current practices in place to ensure residents are kept safe and well-cared for, as well as the quality of leadership and management within the home. This review aims to provide families with a clear understanding of the home's operational standards and the experience of residents.

On safety, arrangements are in place to protect residents from abuse and harm, with staff well-trained to raise concerns. Risks to residents' well-being are assessed and managed, and recruitment practices are thorough, ensuring only suitable staff are employed. The home also has robust systems for medication management and infection control. While significant improvements have been made, some staff were observed using moving and handling techniques that require further training. There were also minor issues with medication administration signing and storage that have been addressed.

Regarding effectiveness, residents are supported to have maximum choice and control over their lives, with staff acting in their best interests. The home's policies and systems support this person-centred approach. While staffing levels have improved and are generally meeting residents' needs, some relatives noted that staffing can still feel low, particularly at weekends, though this is an improvement from previous inspections.

In terms of caring, residents are treated with dignity and respect, and their individual needs are met. Staff are described as caring and attentive, and relatives generally feel their family members are well looked after. There is a focus on involving residents in their care plans and ensuring their preferences are respected.

When it comes to responsiveness, the home is adapting to meet the needs of its residents, including those living with dementia. The service works with external agencies to ensure coordinated care and support. While communication with relatives has improved, feedback indicates that ongoing efforts to ensure consistent staffing levels are important.

Finally, concerning how well-led the service is, the management team has implemented strong quality assurance processes to monitor service delivery and drive improvements. There is clear leadership and a commitment to learning from incidents. Feedback from residents, relatives, and staff indicates a positive change in culture and management since the previous inspection. However, the home is currently operating without a permanently registered manager, although an application is in process.