Larkswood

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• Overview
• Person-centred Care
• Care provision, Integration and continuity
• Providing Information
• Listening to and involving people
• Equity in access
• Equity in experiences and outcomes
• Planning for the future

People told us staff were supportive in ensuring they could have visits from family or go out of the home with their relatives. Staff understood person centred care and its importance. Relatives were not always happy with the activities provided at the home, but this had been discussed at the last residents’ meeting and the manager was planning changes. The manager had told us they were buying new games for the games’ cupboard. People said they knew how to complain, but rarely needed to.

This service scored 71 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

People told us they had choice about how they spent their time, but had less input in their care plans. People said they were supported to keep in touch with their friends and family and said “My relative takes me out.” And another told us “My children come and visit any time.” We asked people if they could have a bath or shower when they wanted and how often would they like one. A person told us, “You have one on certain days. I have one on Thursday. I suppose I could have one on a different day, but I haven’t asked. It’s a bit of a do having a shower here.”

Staff told us how they provided person centred care. A staff member said “Person centred care is knowing people are different, different ideas, that everyone is an individual, and you cater for that.” The manager told us how they sat and talked to people to learn more about them, and they encouraged staff to do this too. The manager said “Talking to people is the best way to find out about them. If we sit with people their stories are very interesting everybody has a life to share.”

People were smartly dressed and staff checked with them what they wanted to do, such as if they wanted to watch TV or listen to music. During lunchtime the chef came to speak to people, and noticed one person had come to eat with others when they usually ate alone. The chef made time to speak to this person. The chef checked people were happy with their food.

We did not look at Care provision, Integration and continuity during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Responsive.

We did not look at Providing Information during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Responsive.

While staff asked people about their choices during the day, two people told us they were not involved in creating their care plans, and a relative said, “I am disappointed with the activities here. When he lived at home, he was always on the go, but here he just sits or lays on the bed. He needs variety. He stays in his room and he gets depressed.” Care plans were created with people wherever possible, and a person told us the care plans were regularly reviewed, “Yes and it’s been reviewed several times and updated.”

We told the manager about people’s dissatisfaction with the entertainment of the day of our visit. People had not been asked about which songs they want to hear and were not encouraged to be involved as fully as they might. The manager said she was arranging for someone to come in and do exercises with people as they had enjoyed this on a previous occasion. The manager said people also enjoyed quizzes, with prizes for the winner.

Regular meetings to allow both people and staff to share any ideas or concerns ensure the manager is kept informed of people and staff needs. We saw minutes of the meetings showing that people are able to ask for changes at the home.

We did not look at Equity in access during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Responsive.

People told us they knew they could complain to the manager but had not needed to complain. They said “I’m not frightened to say. There’s some very good carers here.”

The manager told us they support everyone in the way they need. The manager assessed the care needed for people as their support requirements changed. When the home could no longer provide the care at an appropriate level staff helped people to find a more appropriate home.

Staff had regular training to keep them up to date with current legislation. Staff were trained in the importance of treating people with dignity and respect.

We did not look at Planning for the future during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Responsive.