West Sussex Housing Society Rosemary Mount Inspection Report 2008

The manager and staff showed a commitment to providing a high quality of care in a warm and open atmosphere. The care plans are detailed and provide clear guidance for staff. There is an emphasis on quality assurance and listening to the people who use the service.

Comments made about the home include: “My Nan is very happy at Rosemary Mount and feels cared for and secure. Many thanks to the staff for that”, “The staff I have met are very efficient and caring”, “The jovial friendliness of staff and residents is very good”, “Very happy and satisfied with the home” and “Generally very pleased with the environment and happy atmosphere”.

One person said: “Staff are very kind and gentle; they are patient and take their time”. People feel that their privacy and dignity is respected. Staff were observed providing care in a respectful, unhurried and sensitive manner.

It is clear from feedback through surveys and people spoken with that people are encouraged and supported to maintain contact with their relatives and friends. People said that their guests are always made welcome in the home. Relatives who returned surveys said that the home keeps them informed of any key events or changes in the wellbeing of their family member.

There is a catering manager responsible for the provision of meals and managing staff who work in the kitchen. Each day there is a choice of two hot meals and a salad; vegetarian options are provided. Fresh produce is used as often as possible with one fresh and one frozen vegetable available for the main meal. Fresh fruit is also made available and included in the menu. People choose their meal on the previous day and the catering manager said that a daily menu card system is due to be introduced so that people are very clear
about the choice of food. People spoken with said they like the food and have plenty. Surveys are circulated regularly to find out people’s views about the food and any requests or complaints would be followed up by the catering manager.

Sherry or other drinks are served before lunch and at the moment meals are taken in the two communal lounges. When the new dining room is finished this will provide a spacious and pleasant room for people to enjoy their meals. Lunchtime was relaxed and people were being assisted in a quiet and unhurried manner. One person was being assisted to eat and the member of staff was explaining to her the food that was on her plate.

Rosemary Mount is going through a major refurbishment programme and the first phase will be completed by the end of October. A number of rooms are being altered to improve the space and facilities; several completed rooms were seen and now provide accommodation of a high standard.

There are three staff in the housekeeping team and the home was clean and welcoming during the site visit. Feedback from people through surveys shows that the home is clean and hygienic.