Working at The Oaks Care Home

The provider had a proactive and positive culture of safety, based on openness and honesty. Staff listened to concerns about safety and investigated and reported safety events. Lessons were learnt to continually identify and embed good practice.

All staff we spoke with consistently told us they enjoyed working at the home and felt supported in their roles. They were complimentary about the registered manager and provider. One staff member said, “I actually feel happy and safe. I feel like I am valued.”

We observed that staff were not rushed when carrying out their duties and there was a calm, organised atmosphere throughout the home, which contributed to a positive experience and demonstrated that staffing levels were appropriate to meet people’s needs.

The provider invested in staff development and offered a range of opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge. This included a comprehensive induction programme, advanced dementia training, apprenticeships, and mentoring to support clinical skills.

Staff told us managers were visible and supported them to provide high standards of care. One staff member told us, “I know the [registered] manager well. If you need to go and see her about something, her door is always open.”

The provider had adopted the Namaste care program for people who were end of life... Local artists were invited to display paintings, photography, and textile designs, and a dedicated space showcased artwork created by people living in the home.