Dolwen Care Home sees ‘good’ ratings in CIW inspection report

A Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) inspection report on Dolwen residential Care Home in Denbigh has seen ‘good’ ratings on all four criteria.

The care home, which is operated by Denbighshire County Council had its most recent inspection in December.

Dolwen residential care home

The inspection summary noted that staff “provide good quality care and support, encouraging people to maintain as much independence as possible” and recognised that “people live in a service which is homely and comfortable and provides good access to specialist equipment which meets their needs.” The inspection summary also stated that “the manager and responsible individual (RI) are approachable and friendly, ensuring people are listened to and treated with dignity and respect.”

In relation to well-being, which is one of the four criteria, the care home received a ‘good’ rating, with the report highlighting that residents “are offered consistent choices in daily activities and have opportunities to reach their potential by engaging in meaningful activities” and that the home “offers a varied programme of activities.”

The home’s safeguarding environment was also praised, with the report stating that residents “felt safe and secure knowing no one could enter the building without making themselves known to care staff” and that they also “feel confident and comfortable raising any issues or concerns with care staff.

This section of the report also praised the staff’s approachable nature, with the inspectors noting that “the manager is approachable, and one person stated they never have to speak with the manager as the care staff effectively deal with any issues they have.”

On a similar note, the report noted that visitors such as family or friends of residents were “made to feel welcome” and that residents are “encouraged to develop and sustain existing relationships with family, friends, and important people in their lives, as far as possible.”

It went on to state that “all the relatives we spoke with are happy with the service and told us they are kept well informed.”

The service was also praised for it’s meeting of the Welsh Active offer, with the promotion of the Welsh language and culture described as “fully integrated into the service.”

In relation to Care and support, the care home received a ‘good’ rating.

The report stated that residents’ “personal plans are strengths based and outline how staff should support them to achieve their wellbeing outcomes” which include “detailed one-page profiles in place which clearly record their likes, dislikes, and valuable information for care staff to know about them.” The report praised the care home's handling and administration of medication, stating that “there is a clear record to track the effectiveness of this medication and any side effects” and that “there is a clear record to track the effectiveness of this medication and any side effects.”

When assessing the environment at the care home, which also received a ‘good’ rating, the report stated that residents “live in a homely and comfortable service and have access to a variety of different spaces in which to spend time alone, socialise or entertain visitors.”

The report also praised the accessibility in this area, and the “range of specialist equipment for people to access.” It went on to feature the grab rail provisions throughout the home, as well as the security of the building itself.

Leadership and management at the care home received a ‘good’ rating, with the report praising the “effective audit processes” when it comes to the quality of care. The report highlighted that there are “strict selection and vetting processes for hiring staff to ensure all staff are qualified and trustworthy.”

It went on to say that staff have stated that they “feel well supported in their roles and have an approachable and proactive management team, which they have confidence in.”

Ann Lloyd, Head of Adult Social Care & Homelessness Service said:

“The staff at Dolwen care home work so hard, and I am glad to see this recognised in this most recent CIW inspection report.

I think it is clear from this report how homely the staff make this care home, and how good the relationship is between staff and residents. I’d like to thank the staff who work tirelessly day in day out for their efforts, which have been recognised in this report.”