Archived: Abbey View

People knew they had a choice of care services such as being cared for at home as well as residential care. One person said 'I did think about having carers at home but decided I didn't want that'. People told us that they had chosen this home because it had a very good reputation. One person told us 'My daughter came to look around this home for me. She thought it was a lovely home and it has been marvellous since I moved in'.

All the interactions we observed between staff and people who lived in the home were kind and respectful. There was a very relaxed and homely atmosphere. One person we spoke with said 'It is lovely here. It really feels like my home, not a care home'.

People spent their time as they wished, in their own rooms or in communal areas. Some people chose to watch TV, listened to music or joined in with the planned activities. Others chose to read books or newspapers. Daily activities were arranged, as were weekly trips out of the home. Should people not wish to join in with the planned activities, time was spent with them on a one to one basis. The home employed staff who co-ordinated and led the activity sessions, the one to one sessions and outings.

People who lived in the home told us they felt very well cared for and that staff were available when they needed them. People said staff helped them to do the things they needed help with. Comments from people included 'We have very caring staff and watching them caring for other people here I think they are marvellous', 'The staff all understand what care I need. I couldn't speak highly enough of them' and 'I think the care is amazing here. The staff are incredibly kind and patient'. People told us staff arranged for them to see their GP or other health care staff if they needed to.

People told us they liked the food served in the home. Meals were discussed with residents at the regular catering committee meetings. People had a daily menu and chose the meals they would like. One person said 'The food is lovely and there is plenty of choice. There are plenty of drinks and snacks on offer during the day as well'.

People we spoke with said they thought the home was a safe place for them to live. Comments included: 'Oh yes I feel safe. I'm sleeping now but I didn't sleep well before I came here' and 'I do feel safe living here. If I didn't feel safe I would tell somebody'. One person told us they chose to move to this home because they did not feel safe in their own home after they had a fall. They told us 'I feel safe here. That's what I didn't feel living at home'.

People said they would raise any concerns if they had any and would be happy to share these with staff. Every person we spoke with said they were very happy with the home and had never had cause to complain. Comments from people included: 'If I was unhappy about something I wouldn't be afraid to speak up at all', 'I have no complaints at all' and 'I have nothing but praise for the staff. This is the best home I have lived in'.

People spoke very highly of the staff team. They said staff were available when they needed them and they understood the care and support they needed. Comments from people included 'The staff are very nice and very caring', 'The staff are fantastic with their kindness, politeness and their care' and 'The staff are absolutely wonderful. I can't fault any of them'.

People who lived in the home told us they were asked to give their views on the home and that they were listened to. They told us about the meetings they had to discuss general things in the home and the meetings where food was discussed. People said that staff spoke with them every day. They said they felt able to raise any issues with any of the staff.

One person told us 'We do have meetings here and you can be involved in the running of the home. You don't have to wait to the meetings though. You can pop in to speak to the manager at any time. The staff come in to chat with you every day so you can say how you feel about things then. If I had any problems or suggestions I would talk to the staff. I'm sure they would sort things out. I can't think of anything that could be improved though'.