The Care Quality Commission has given the Sundial Care Home, Sidmouth, Devon, an overall outstanding rating, following an inspection on 5 & 7 June 2018.
Harbour Rise provides accommodation for adults over 65 years with dementia and mental health conditions.
The care home received outstanding ratings for the effective, caring and well-led categories, and a good rating for safe and responsive.
CQC inspectors highlighted that staff were skilled at recognising people's changing behaviours and skillfully managed potentially difficult situations before they occurred. During the inspection two residents had a disagreement. Two staff discretely intervened and engaged with the people and redirected them to different areas. They chatted with them throughout and then occupied them in an activity they enjoyed.
Staff all said the service was a nice place to work. Comments included, "I love it, I really enjoy it. I feel you can give people time here, there is no routine, it all depends on what the person wants, what time they want to get up, what time they want breakfast, when they want a shower. I enjoy the occupational side; I do a lot of singing. I have suggested a sensory garden area for a person who loves being outdoors. We had a giant Frisbee outside last week and his face just lit up."
People were assessed in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and associated Deprivation of Liberty Safeguarding (DoLS). People who did not have capacity to make decisions for themselves were supported by staff to make sure their legal rights were protected, and staff worked with other professionals in their best interest. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Capacity assessments were being undertaken and best interest decisions were being recorded.
