7 January 2014
During a themed inspection looking at Dementia Services
One person's relative told us, 'Alderson House were great, they went out to see my mum and then told us they would be happy to look after her.'
Care plans we reviewed gave guidance to staff about how to deal with behaviours which may challenge the service. In addition, information was provided on techniques staff should employ to manage any distress or agitation the person may experience.
We observed members of staff gave people with dementia choices about what they wanted to do, where they wanted to sit, and what they wanted to eat.
We looked at how care was delivered to people with dementia. One person's relative told us, 'The staff are great, they are always willing to talk about XXX's care and they are very open to suggestions.' Another relative told us, 'I think they provide the care very well. Most of the people in the home have the very late stages of dementia so communicating with them is difficult but they still try to give them all the choices they need.'
One member of staff told us about the types of documentation the home sent with a person if they needed to attend hospital; they said, 'We send a patient passport with them and a list of medication. The passport tells the hospital about their preferences and their communication skills as well as things about their life and family.'
The home held a meeting for people's relatives every 3 months. One relative told us, 'If I was concerned about anything I would feel able to talk to the manager and staff; they are very open to the relatives' comments and suggestions.'