Grey Gables

On this page

• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

People’s needs were assessed, and care and support were delivered in line with current standards to achieve effective outcomes. People were supported to access healthcare services and were actively involved in their meal planning. Care records reflected this. Mental capacity assessments and best interest decisions had been completed in line with best practice. People were supported to make their own choices and staff understood the need for consent.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

People told us they had seen information relating to their care records. However, relatives said they were not always involved in this process. This was due to people not always wanting their care records shared and the registered manager acting in the persons best interests.

Staff told us they had seen people’s care records, had time to read them and were familiar with people’s likes and dislikes. Staff told us they get to know people by spending time with them and reading their support plans.

People’s needs were assessed prior to them coming into the home. These assessments were used to formulate person centred support plans. Support plans were tailored to meet people’s needs and included detailed risk assessments relating to specific health conditions. Support plans included goals and ambitions for the future and information was available to help people to achieve their desired goals. We saw evidence that people’s support plans were being reviewed and updated regularly.

People told us they felt their dietary needs were being met. However, one relative felt their loved one’s weight management could be improved on. People were encouraged to undertake regular exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Staff told us they had enough time to spend with people during mealtimes and people were given an option of what they would like to eat and drink. The registered manager told us how they encourage people to undertake regular exercise and incorporate this into activities.

Processes supported evidence-based care. Menus were available and people were involved in choosing what meals they would like. Staff encouraged people to assist in the preparation of their meals. Nutrition plans were in place and tailored to people’s individual needs.

People told us staff kept them safe and they can see their doctor should they need to. Relatives had no concerns in this area and felt their loved ones were safe. One relative told us, “[person using the service] is happy and comfortable.”

Staff told us information was shared amongst the team through various means including handovers and meetings. One staff member said, “I feel we are a good staff team who work well together for the best interests of the people we look after.”

Feedback in this area was mostly positive. However, one partner felt more communication was needed in this area. Another partner spoke positively about how the staff work with them. They said, “The team at Grey Gables also have frequent meetings with the community teams in relation to residents.” Another partner praised the staff team at Grey Gables. They said, “The staff are brilliant, and this has a positive impact on the service users.”

We saw evidence of information sharing through handovers and team meetings. Important information was relayed to staff through various communication platforms such as messaging services and communication logs. The registered manager worked closely with other healthcare professionals such as the ICB (Integrated care board), advocates and social workers to provide effective, joined up care.

People told us they could see a doctor should they need to and felt certain the staff would make any arrangements relating to their health care.

Staff told us they were confident in spotting when someone became unwell and knew the process of escalating these concerns. One staff member said, “If someone didn’t seem themselves, I would report this straight away to senior staff and managers. We write in daily logs and record if there are any changes.”

People were supported to attend medical appointments and support plans reflected this. People were assisted with a range of activities to promote fitness such as swimming, cycling and walking. Support plans were regularly reviewed to ensure health and wellbeing was promoted.

Relatives spoke positively about their loved ones achieving their desired goals. One relative said about their loved one, “They attend arts and craft classes which is what they wanted to do.” Whilst another relative felt staff kept their loved one occupied with meaningful activity.

Staff told us they actively promote people’s health and wellbeing. One staff member told us, “We encourage people to eat well and live a healthier lifestyle. For example, we encourage people to go out for walks.”

Tools were in place to monitor people’s outcomes. Detailed analysis charts and audits were in place to monitor behaviours, accidents and to determine whether people were achieving their desired goals. Support plans went into great detail of what people wanted to achieve, their ambitions for the future and whether they have reached their goals. This meant people lived a more fulfilling life, tailored to their aspirations.

People told us they could make their own choices. One person told us, “It is my choice, it is all my choice.” Another person told us they have an advocate.

Staff understood how to follow consent processes to protect people’s rights. Staff spoke about the importance of gaining consent before any care interventions and talked us through the process of when someone refuses care and treatment. One staff member said, “If someone refuses care, we will keep trying until they are ready. We always act in the person’s best interests.”

Processes supported ensuring consent was sought. Support plans outlined what people could do for themselves. DoLS paperwork included information around capacity assessments, best interest decisions and consent. Advocates were involved and supported people who were unable to consent themselves. People’s capacity was taken into account before any decisions were made. DoLS paperwork was up to date and any conditions were being met.