“People are very happy living in Kingussie’s Wade Centre” Care Inspectorate finds
Kingussie’s much loved Wade Centre Care Home has been given a glowing report by the Care Inspectorate.
Following an unannounced inspection on January 29 and 30, the purpose-built centre in Spey Street - which provides care to up to 11 older people, offering respite provision for two - was rated as Very Good in all respects.
The inspection was carried out by two inspectors spoke with a number of people using the service and their relatives along with staff and management. Questionnaires were issued to staff, relatives, residents and partnership agencies. Practice and daily life were closely observed, documents reviewed and two visiting professionals consulted.
“People were very happy living in the Wade Centre and spoke highly of the support they received from staff,” the report stated. “Staff were kind, caring and competent in their roles.
“Families spoke highly of the care their loved ones received and felt re-assured their relatives were well looked after.
“Staff understood the importance of promoting good health and ensuring people's health needs were met to a high standard.”
Using a six point scale where 1 is unsatisfactory and 6 is excellent, the inspectors recorded:
How well do we support people's wellbeing? 5 - Very Good
How good is our staff team? 5 - Very Good
“Performance demonstrates major strengths in supporting positive outcomes for people. The independence and well-being of people were promoted through holistic and person-centred assessments.
“Staff worked positively alongside community nurses, social work and doctors when anticipating health needs. Professionals told us there were good working relationships and that staff sought and followed health advice at the appropriate times.
“This meant health concerns for people were identified quickly and treated effectively. One health professional told us "It is evident when entering the facility that residents are well looked after and they are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. Staff are professional and helpful.
"We observed staff sensitively supporting people to be independent, mobile and active according to choice and ability. This way of working promotes physical, mental and emotional well-being. Medication was managed safely as there were robust medication systems in place.
“Staff were good at talking to people if they were worried about their medication. This meant people were informed and understood the importance of taking certain medications.”
These were the detailed evaluations:
How well do we support people's wellbeing? 5 - Very Good
People's health and wellbeing benefits from their care and support 5 - Very Good
How good is our staff team? 5 - Very Good
Staffing arrangements are right and staff work well together 5 - Very Good.
Local Highland councillor Muriel Cockburn welcomed the report.
She told the Strathy: ““ This is really reassuring for all our residents and their families, this is only achieved by the dedication hard work , caring and compassion of the team that deliver care and activities that meet the needs of each individual.
“The Wade is much loved in Badenoch “
The report certainly cleared the air at the centre after a literally ‘mixed’ review in 2023, when another home’s report was incorporated with it.
The Strathy was referred to NHS Highland for an official comment.
Some feedback reported to the inspectors during their inspection:
"The staff contact us if any concerns and are very proactive and 'on the ball'." (professional)
"The management team have a good rapport with GPs and there are meetings every day to ensure we have health updates on people living in the care home." (professional).
"The staff are vigilant with any issue they would like nurse to see. We have no concerns re the way they keep people's skin healthy." (professional).
Guardians and family members were consulted and involved in their loved ones' health care decisions. Families were reassured that staff kept them up to date with changes in loved ones' health.
They were very complimentary about the care their loved ones received. Some of the comments we received included: "My relative is receiving first class care and support, every aspect is person-centred."
"Staff are observant of my loved one's mood and health issues and respond quickly to prevent deterioration in her wellbeing."
People enjoyed meals in a relaxed and friendly setting. Food was appetising and well presented. Snacks were available throughout the building, including fruit and juices, for between meals. This promoted a healthy lifestyle for people.
Relatives had suggested providing information, such as name badges with a photograph would be helpful, as it would let them know what staff were working that day.
