Staff praised for ‘warm and positive’ relationships at Dingwall care home
The staff team at a Dingwall care home for the elderly has been praised for developing “warm and positive relationships” with residents, after a snap inspection in November.
Fodderty House, who provide care for older people located between Dingwall and Strathpeffer, received an unannounced visit from the Care Inspectorate on November 7.
Throughout a full day of evaluations, inspectors spoke with five people using the service and four of their family and representatives.
They also spoke with seven members of staff and the care home’s management team.
After observing practice and daily life of the residents, they concluded that the staff team should receive an evaluation of “Very Good”, equivalent to a rating of five on its six-point scale.
Inspectors’ notes stated that staff at Fodderty Care worked well together and were flexible in supporting each other in their roles.
One staff member said: “Everybody gets on so well, everyone can approach everyone. The staff team is great, I love coming to work every single day.”
Staff members also reported that they felt “well supported” by their managers, who had an “open door” policy, which promoted “effective communication and created a positive work culture” where employees felt valued.
From the service users interviewed, inspectors received the following comments: “Staff are very easy to talk to. They're great, very good natured," and "I think the staff are super attentive, they anticipate your needs.”
Fodderty House was also noted for possessing several strengths where it concerns supporting the wellbeing of service users.
Those interviewed said they were supported by staff who were kind and respectful.
Staff were found to have developed “warm relationships” with people and knew them well, enabling “responsive and compassionate care”.
Support to access facilities such as a shower or bath at a time of day which suited them was also noted as a strength.
One person told inspectors: "We have the most wonderful bath here that lifts you in. It's excellent."
Inspectors found that procedures were in place to safely support people with administration of their medication.
The reported that a digital system is being used to manage medication and regular audits were also being carried out.
Receiving an evaluation of “Good”, or four on the six-point scale, some recommendations were made for improvement.
Among the recommendations, inspectors advised management to ensure every person has a formal and person-centred review at least every six months.
