The five people living at the home were out with staff at a Christmas meal, returning shortly after we started the visit. They were welcoming, or accepting, of our presence. Two people went to their rooms for a rest after their meal, one person showed an interest in our paperwork and pens, one person watched television, and one person sat and interacted with staff. People had some verbal skills, generally limited to a few words, and indicated, either by their verbal responses, or their interactions with staff, that they were content or happy at 1 Ellys Road. One person was happy to show us their room, featuring many items showing their liking for their favourite rock and roll star. Later they put on an Elvis DVD in the lounge, which was happily watched by two other residents. We asked them what they thought of living at 1 Ellys Road, and they smiled and said "good". They gave similar responses when we asked them about staff and the manager, and about things they did and enjoyed.
We spoke with three relatives by phone following our visit. None had concerns about the care, one noted that the service 'genuinely cared' and that the home was "like a family". Throughout the time we were there, everyone living at the home was friendly, tolerant, and well-disposed towards one another.