The Firs Care Centre

Updated 7 August 2024

The Firs Care Centre is registered to provide accommodation and nursing or personal care to up to 40 people. At the time of our visit there were 38 people living at the home. Fourteen people required nursing support. This was the first assessment of the service since it registered to the provider, The Firs Care Centre Ltd, in October 2023. We visited the care home on 20 and 22 August 2024. During our visit we were able to carry out observations in communal areas and speak with people, staff and visitors. We spoke with 10 staff, 8 people and 9 visitors. We also spoke with a visiting professional.

Updated 7 August 2024

There was a calm and relaxed atmosphere at the home and people appeared comfortable with the staff who supported them. People lived in a clean and safe building where regular safety checks were carried out. People felt safe at the home and staff knew how to recognise and report abuse or concerns. People were supported by enough staff to meet their physical needs. However, staff were not always appropriately deployed to make sure people were able to make choices about the staff who supported them. Some people made comments about communication issues which resulted in them not receiving care and support in accordance with their preferences. People had care plans which outlined how their needs should be met and to give guidance to staff about how to minimise risks. Not everyone was receiving care in accordance with their assessed needs. People lived in a home where the registered manager was visible and approachable. People and visitors said they would be comfortable to make a complaint or raise any concerns. There were a number of audits in place to identify shortfalls and make improvements. However, these audits did not include observations to monitor the care and support people received. We observed people received task focussed rather than person-centred care. This resulted in a lack of social stimulation for people.