Grantown care home is providing 'compassion, dignity and respect' for its residents
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A Grantown care home has been highly rated for treating residents with compassion, dignity and respect and for helping them get the most out of life.
Lynemore, part of the Parklands Care Homes group, was assessed during an unannounced visit by the Care Inspectorate earlier this month during which the inspector spoke to seven residents, 17 relatives or friends and 26 staff and managers.
The facility was also rated 5 (very good) for the quality of its setting, for the way it promotes people’s independence and for helping residents to get the most out of life.
The report found Lynemore provided a ‘welcome environment which was homely, comfortable and safe’ and that ‘staff teams worked well together’.
Ron Taylor, managing director of Parklands said: “We are delighted to have received such a positive report from the Care Inspectorate, and I am immensely proud of the team at Lynemore.
“This latest report paints a picture of a highly motivated, committed and passionate team of care professionals.”
The care home was last week at the centre of concerns raised with the Strathy by a current staff member, an ex-employee and resident’s family.
The unannounced visit to Parkland Ltd’s Lynemore by the sole inspector took place between August 3 and 4 at the purpose-built facility registered for up to 40 people.
The key findings were:
• Lynemore residents were treated with compassion, dignity, and respect.
• The care home provided a welcoming environment which was homely, comfortable and safe.
• Staff teams worked well together.
• Recently the provider had appointed a manager, cook and activity staff member.
An anonymous complaint had been ‘logged as intelligence’ and formed part of the inspection.
The inspector evaluated the services at Lynemore on the care sector scale from one (unsatisfactory) to six (excellent).
The awards were support people’s wellbeing (four – good); leadership (good); staff team (good); setting (five – very good) and how well is care and support planned (good).
Mr Taylor said: “There are many strengths identified in this report, not least the quality of Lynemore’s setting and the compassionate way in which our teams deliver care to our residents.
“The report also recognises the strong sense of unity among the team, with everyone working together to deliver the highest standards.
“I am pleased too that the Care Inspectorate recognised that we listen carefully to residents, their relatives and staff and have appropriate policies in place to deal with any concerns should they arise.”
He added: “We are committed to continuous improvement at Lynemore and across the Parklands group. This report will allow us to build on our strengths and aim to deliver an even higher standard of care. Our residents deserve nothing but the best.”
Within the support for people’s wellbeing theme, Lynemore was rated five for the compassion, dignity and respect shown to residents and for people getting the most out of life.
The report stated: “People experienced care and support with compassion and there were warm, encouraging, and positive relationships between staff and people living in the home....
“People were listened to and respected and their preferences were used to shape how they wished to be supported...
“People experienced support that promoted their independence, dignity, privacy, and choice. “
The report stated that family and friends spoke ‘very highly’ of the support being offered to their loved ones. They felt included in what was happening in the care home.
Staff were good at interacting with people and looking out for signs of stress or distress.
They had a good understanding of people’s health needs and when it was necessary to seek external advice. Palliative care was being offered in a way which was respectful.
A new manager was appointed in March and had a good understanding of what developments they were working on.
Some staff did not feel as confident about sharing their views with management but this was outweighed more by those who were confident.
People indicated there was a different leadership style which was taking some staff longer to adapt to and management should remain aware of this.
The report said robust procedures were in place to investigate complaints or concerns.
It pointed out no complaints had been upheld since the last inspection.
Areas identified for improvement following the last inspection had been made.
This included an activities co-ordinator joining the team to ensure residents 'can choose an active life and participate in a range of meaningful social and physical activities and conversations every day'.
More from the inspector's report
On staffing, the report stated: "When we looked at staff rotas, these generally demonstrated appropriate level of cover, with some last minute issues due to absences. Staffing levels allowed for more than basic care needs to be met.
"Staff worked well across the units, and people who chose to walk to another unit were welcomed and supported.
"Staff were being appropriately deployed and understood their responsibilities.
"Staff skills mix was appropriate and caused no concerns.
"People benefited from a warm atmosphere because staff were working well together."
There was plenty of praise for the quality of the setting.
The report stated: "People’s bedrooms were spacious, comfortable and all had ensuite facilities for their use...
"Furnishings within the care home were of good quality and kept clean and tidy for people...
"People benefited from options to stay connected because the right technology was installed."
How well is our care and support planned?
The inspector reported: "People’s personal plans included their wishes should they take unwell, and those end-of-life preferences for their support. This meant the care and support offered to people was right for them."
