20 July 2012
During a themed inspection looking at Dignity and Nutrition
The inspection team was led by a CQC inspector joined by an Expert by Experience (people who have experience of using services and who can provide that perspective). We spoke with seven of the people who lived in the home and observed the care and support provided to others who were unable to communicate verbally. We used the Short Observational Framework for Inspection (SOFI). SOFI is a specific way of observing care to help us understand the experience of people who could not talk with us.
People told us that they felt comfortable and safe in the home. They said they liked the staff and found them to be respectful and professional. One person said, 'The staff are very good I think of them as friends and family.' We also spoke with a family member visiting the home who said their relative was safe and well cared for.
However, many people told us there was an overall lack of choice, involvement, and social stimulation. One person said that people 'just do as they're told.' Another person noted, 'I do feel bored here sometimes and get really fed up.' In discussing the food options, another person said, 'It's not very good . . . there's no choice.'