8 March 2012
During an inspection in response to concerns
She observed that one person was brought into the lounge in a wheelchair and put to sit directly in front of the TV screen which meant that others were unable to continue watching the programme that they had become interested in. This also created an obstruction for people using walking aids trying to reach the dining tables at lunchtime.
One of the people who spoke with the expert said 'I chose to come here for two weeks and I have stayed. I brought my own TV, bookshelves, and dressing table. The staff are great and I enjoy the food.'
One person who spoke with the inspector said that he had recently been moved from a single bedroom to a shared bedroom. He preferred the single room and did not know the person he was now sharing a bedroom with.
A visitor to the home told the expert: 'My mum came in as an emergency in October 2011, there was little time for choice. Staff were very helpful. We have no problems, and I have nothing but praise for the levels of care my mum receives.'
The overall impression of the expert was that: 'The level of care appeared to be acceptable, with some staff being very attentive.'
We spoke with one person who had been admitted to the home by the rapid response team. He told us that he was unable to walk when he came in and he is now much better. A physiotherapist had been coming into the home to work with him.
During our visit we spoke with an occupational therapist attached to the rapid response team. She said that she did not have any concerns about the care provided at Rose Brae. The manager is always up to date with people's progress, and any instructions she leaves for people's care are followed by the home's staff.
The expert by experience had lunch with people in the dining room. She observed that:
One person was left on her own sitting with the remains of her breakfast in front of her for more than half an hour. There were no drinks available in private rooms. Most residents remained in their chairs at mealtimes, with mobile trays in front of them. Staff said that residents had the choice whether they sat at a proper dining table, but there appeared to be insufficient space for all residents to sit in the dining area. One or two residents remained in their room for mealtimes. Plastic fold-up aprons were on the dining tables. Cutlery was made of cheap sharp metal.
There were no menus available showing alternative choices to the meal being served at lunchtime, however anyone not wanting the set meal was offered an alternative. The lunch was minced beef, mash and vegetables (cooked from frozen). A simple meal but cooked expertly and hot. The manager stated that fresh vegetables were delivered twice per week. Residents who required help were tended to in a respectful manner. One lady said she was vegetarian and said 'they do their best'. Her lunch did not appear until a number of us had finished eating.
One person we spoke with said that he gets enough to eat. Sometimes he could eat more but he doesn't say anything.
The expert by experience reported:
I spoke to nine people, including one visitor, all of whom praised the staff. The staff appeared very caring and attentive. There appeared to be sufficient staff available attending to the needs of residents.
One person told the expert by experience 'If I need to complain, I will talk to my carer.' And another person said 'I will just tell Jane' (the manager).' Another person told her 'I have nothing to complain about.'