Archived: The Vineries

We received comment cards from one visiting therapist, two visiting professionals and 10 relatives and these were all very positive about the quality of care offered to people living with dementia. Comments included; "I feel (my relative's) dementia has improved," and "The staff are calm, kind, respectful, reassuring and aware of (my relative's) changing needs. They minimise (my relative's) stress with early interventions allowing choices and independence."

We looked at the care records of three people living with dementia to see how their needs were assessed and planned and we tracked the care they received. We found people living with dementia had their needs assessed and planned in an individualised way. Care was delivered in a way which was dignified and respectful. A relative commented, "Staff are sympathetic and respectful."

The staff at the service took steps to ensure people living with dementia received co-ordinated care when they were admitted or discharged from hospital by providing information to help hospital staff meet their needs. People living with dementia had their needs assessed and met by a range of health and social care professionals.

There were effective systems in place to monitor the quality of the service people living with dementia received and steps were taken to learn from incidents, accidents and complaints. This learning resulted in changes to practice with a view to improving the quality of the service being delivered.

We spoke with a relative of one person living in the home who told us that they were very happy with the care provided in the home. This person also told us that the manager and staff were all very approachable and kept them informed of any issues or changes with regard to their relative.

People we spoke with told us that they had an activities coordinator and said they enjoyed various activities and entertainment such as music and sing-along, bingo, quizzes, flower arranging, card making, parties, theme days and fund raising events.

We observed people during the lunchtime period and saw that this was a very dignified and sociable occasion. We saw that each table was set with a nice quality table cloth, a small vase of flowers and quality cutlery and crockery was also used. We saw that where people required assistance, this was done discreetly and in a dignified manner.

We observed staff going about their duties during our inspection at The Vineries. We saw that when people were being supported by staff, they were given time to respond and were not rushed. We found the atmosphere in the home to be cheerful, relaxed and comfortable.