Home praised for caring atmosphere

Care Quality Commission inspectors visited Normanton Care Home in Shrewsbury in July and their report was published this week.

Inspectors found that the home was "good" in all areas and that the residents, who suffer from dementia or other mental health problems, were well cared for, treated with dignity and felt safe in their environment.

In the report inspectors said: "Staff had been praised by relatives about the support they and their loved ones had received during the emotional time at the end of their loved one's life. People received care and support that was individual to them. Their support needs were kept under review and staff responded when there were changes in these needs.

"Everyone we spoke with told us they felt safe living at Normanton and with the amount of staff that supported them. Staff had received training in how to keep people safe and protect them from abuse and discrimination. They understood how to report concerns and who to contact to ensure people remained safe. The registered manager understood their responsibilities in reporting and dealing with concerns."

Many of the staff working at the home, which is on Ellesmere Road, had been there for several years. This was testament to the guidance and leadership of the managers.

Medication were kept securely and staff said they checked each person's medicines with their individual records before administering them and records were completed correctly.

"Staff told us they were not allowed to administer people's medicine's until they had received the training they needed to do this safely, and their competency had been checked," the inspectors said.

They added: "People living at Normanton told us they were highly content because they felt valued as individuals by staff and management. They told us that they felt that they really mattered. We observed a genuine, homely atmosphere in the service and people told us that this is what they liked about it."

Residents were able to enjoy a number of activities and pursuits, all of which were tailored to their individual needs. Inspectors said: "It was clear that the registered manager and staff had built good relationships with people who lived at the home and those important to them."

Samantha Edwards, co-owner of the family run home, said: "We had an excellent report and we are very pleased with it. Everything in the report talks of the excellent service we provide and the wonderful, dedicated staff we employ. We are very happy with the inspection. We have been here for 30 years and have built up an excellent reputation for care."