Working at Newton Hall Residential Home

Staff numbers are usually enough but there was one less carer than planned on the day inspectors visited.

On the first day of our visit; there was a shortfall of one member of care staff. There were other members of staff who were trained in the care role available to ensure that staffing levels were safe.

Training covers basics and some dementia care but no advanced courses or help getting qualifications.

Staff confirmed that they received the training they needed to perform their role. This included mandatory health and safety training as well as topics which covered the specific needs of people such as dementia awareness.

Varied everyday activities like quizzes, music, pets and outings but no special innovative programmes.

The co-ordinator had devised an ongoing programme of activities within the service. These included in-house activities such as quizzes, light exercise and music sessions... external entertainers and therapy dogs... minibus...