Strathpeffer care home for elderly gets glowing report from inspectors
A Strathpeffer home for the elderly has earned a glowing report from inspectors for its standards of care.
Strathallan House, on the village’s Golf Course Road, was the subject of an unannounced visit by the care Inspectorate in June this year.
The residential home, which offers individual rooms for 32 older residents in a converted Victorian House-style setting, was evaluated as being ‘very good’ at supporting people's well-being.
The quality of its staff team received the same grading - second top in a scale of six from ‘unsatisfactory’ to ‘excellent’.
Run by provider Mistral Care Homes Ltd, the inspectors found the home’s management had continued to make improvements to the service since the last visit.
People had “positive experiences, with improvements in their health and wellbeing where possible”, while the care home was “welcoming and comfortable”.
People were supported to keep active, with staff visibly promoting movement and activities.
The report stated: “We found significant strengths in aspects of the care provided, and how these supported positive outcomes for people.
“People benefited from a comprehensive health assessment, screening, care, and support.
“These were based on good practice and evidence-based guidance and were reviewed regularly. People's health benefited from staff support (with) close links with the community nursing team, who supported clinical aspects of people's care.”
Staff were found to communicate well with external professionals, keeping them updated on any changes in residents’ health and well-being, while staff supported people with evidence of good staff practice when handling people's medication.
Encouragement to keep active included when rehabilitation was needed following a fall or injury, with direct improvements as a result.
Staff were also confident in the support they offered and responsive and observant of people's health and wellbeing, while providing a good array of activities.
In assessing the home, inspectors spoke with 10 residents and 15 family members, as well as nine staff and management, while also observing daily life within the premises.
They also reviewed documents and surveyed various visiting professionals, with seven responses returned.
The report added: “The service was staffed by the right number (with) an appropriate skills mix of staff on shift, working well together to meet the needs of people. The manager reviewed people's dependencies regularly (and) staff knew and understood their roles and responsibilities.
“Staff spoke of working well as a team, and we saw this on our inspection.
“People benefited from a warm atmosphere because there are good working relationships and effective communication.”
Minor areas for improvement listed by inspectors had already been met by July.
