The Wedge Residential Home

The Wedge Residential Home provides personal care and accommodation for up to 21 individuals, including those living with dementia or physical disabilities, across two accessible floors. Overall, feedback from residents and their families highlights a welcoming atmosphere with a consistent, caring staff team. While the service demonstrates strong practices across all key areas, the inspection also identified specific points for improvement, such as updating certain records and employment histories, which management promptly addressed.

When it comes to safety, residents and relatives confirmed they felt secure, and the home maintained clean, odour-free premises with proper infection control measures. Staff understood how to recognize and report abuse, and safe recruitment procedures were generally followed, though a few employment history gaps were resolved quickly during the visit. Environmental risks were managed through regular safety checks and fire drills, and medicines were safely stored in individual rooms with appropriate oversight, though some initial risk assessments regarding falls required more detailed information.

The care provided achieved positive outcomes through staff who were well-trained and supported via regular supervision and inductions. While legal frameworks for decision-making and capacity were generally respected, the electronic system used for recording best interest decisions and staff medication competencies needed clearer detailing, which the manager agreed to update. Residents benefited from a balanced diet with plenty of choices, timely access to external healthcare professionals like GPs and dentists, and a well-maintained, spacious environment where an upstairs bathroom suite was scheduled for replacement.

Residents and relatives consistently described the staff as kind, compassionate, and genuinely affectionate, noting that caregivers frequently chatted, held hands, and took time to learn about individuals' life stories and sense of humour. Relatives felt warmly welcomed with flexible visiting hours, and visiting professionals praised the team's deep knowledge of each person's specific needs and characteristics. People and their families were actively involved in shaping care plans and decisions, with independent advocacy services accessible when needed.

The service proved responsive by tailoring care to individual needs, maintaining detailed care plans, and regularly reviewing risks. Staff actively sought to create meaningful experiences and happy memories, accommodating personal preferences and ensuring people had access to activities and hobbies that mattered to them.

Leadership was described as visible and proactive, with an open-door policy that allowed minor concerns to be addressed promptly before escalating. The management team led by example with clear passion, though quality assurance audits required closer oversight to ensure they consistently caught and resolved administrative recording issues independently.