Skylark House

Updated 11 April 2024

Date of assessment 18 April 2024 to 1 May 2024. There were 76 people living at the home on the day of the assessment visit. The service had improved and previous breaches were met. There were now enough staff deployed to support people's need for social interaction and occupation. The provider’s management systems were now effective in monitoring quality. The service was safe. Staff understood their responsibilities for safeguarding people and there were effective systems for monitoring incidents and accidents. People, and where appropriate relatives, were involved in developing risk assessments and care plans. There were safe systems for recruiting staff and they received the training and support they needed. The service was responsive. People were receiving a personalised service that was responsive to their needs and preferences. Staff supported people to make choices and where they needed information to be tailored to their needs this was available. People with diverse health and social care needs were supported to plan for the future. Staff worked with health and social care professionals to provide continuity and to ensure people’s wishes were respected. The service was well led. Staff described a positive culture where they were supported and felt confident to speak up. There was effective leadership and the registered manager demonstrated clear oversight of the service. Management systems supported governance and improvements. There was a strong focus on providing a personalised service that supported people’s diverse needs and preferences.

Updated 11 April 2024

People and their relatives told us they were happy living at Skylark House. People said they felt safe and were included in decisions about how to manage risks. One person said, “They (staff) are sensitive to my needs,” another person told us, “My wishes are respected.” We observed that staff knew people well and were responsive to their needs. A relative told us, “I have noticed how fast they move when needed.” People spoke highly of the staff and described them as kind, caring and respectful. One person said, “The staff are discreet in what help they give and they don’t shout about personal things.” A relative of someone with dementia said, “Staff recognise the turmoil my relative is going through and treat him very kindly and compassionately.” A person told us, “They (staff) are always so cheerful, it makes a big difference.” Another person said, “They (staff) give the impression that this is exactly where they want to be.” People told us the registered manager was friendly, approachable and visible in the service. Their comments included, “She is around a lot,” and “She is lovely.” People described how they were supported to be independent and to remain as active as possible. One person said, “I am as independent as I can manage, and they allow me to go at my own pace.” Another person said, “They support me by giving choices and encouragement.” We observed that people were engaged with activities and occupations of their choice and staff were proactive in supporting them.