Mpower Learning Disability Home, Enter & View Report

Some Interview Responses:

Management

• The management team is ‘very good and reactive’.
• There are good training opportunities, and some training is mandatory.
• The manager conducts all staff appraisals.

Staff 

• The staff we spoke with are generally content and settled, due in part to good working conditions, ability to strike a work/life balance, management, etc.
• Training mentioned includes dementia and epilepsy awareness, sign language, positive behaviour, eating and drinking, safeguarding, medication, infection control, hazardous substances, fire safety, confidentiality, and computing.
• Staff would like the reinstatement of ‘holidays with residents’, newer seating and better wheelchair access for chairs, more activities for housebound residents.

Family/Friends

• Staff are commented to be friendly and helpful, towards both relatives and residents. All of the relatives we spoke with are generally satisfied.
• Feedback suggests that relatives are satisfied with the variety of activities on offer, with most feeling their loved ones are active, engaged, and encouraged if needed.

Residents

• Residents have been able to become friends and a family atmosphere is described, with birthdays marked and celebrated. Those already living in the area before admission particularly appreciate the location.
• The general décor is complimented, along with the opportunity to, and support with personalising rooms. One resident would like to be ‘more involved’ in home-wide décor.

Some Findings:

• The building is an old Victorian house, situated along a main road. As it has a large forecourt, and is set-back from the road itself, traffic noise is minimised.
• During our visit residents were engaged with singing, dancing, watching television and colouring-in. Most seemed to enjoy the background music.
• There seems to be no dedicated group or forum for families, carers and friends.

Some Suggested Recommendations:

• This is by no means a necessity; however, a ‘splash of colour’ would be uplifting for residents, staff, and visitors alike, and need not be expensive. We urge the home to consult on this, for ideas and preferences.
• There seems to be no dedicated group or forum for families, carers, and friends. We urge that this is considered, as their insight, involvement and input will certainly be beneficial.
• Staff say that a lower staffing ratio, plus shorter working shifts has lowered the overall quality and coverage of care. While not commenting on staffing structure, we would urge the home to consider this point of view.

For a full detailed report and responses to recommendations, please use the download links below.