BrendonCare Otterbourne Hill

Date of Assessment: 17 to 28 November 2024. The service is a nursing home providing support and treatment to adults of all ages who may be living with dementia, a physical disability or sensory needs. The inspection was prompted in part by notification of an incident following which a person using the service had sustained an injury as a result of a fall.

The staff at Brendon Care Otterbourne Hill demonstrated a culture of safety, compassion, and continuous improvement, delivering care that was personalised and effective. Staff consistently showed kindness, empathy, and respect, ensuring dignity was upheld during all aspects of care. People were empowered to make choices about their daily lives, supported by individualised communication such as pictures and easy-read formats to promote understanding and informed decision-making.

Care was tailored to individual needs, incorporating nutrition, hydration, mobility support, and mental wellbeing strategies. Skin care routines and pressure area prevention were embedded into daily practice, while social engagement was promoted through a diverse range of activities including arts, music, exercise classes, and community events. These initiatives enriched lives, reduced isolation, and improved confidence and wellbeing.

Risk management was comprehensive, with detailed assessments for conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes. Medicines were managed safely, and infection control measures were consistently applied. Staff were well-trained in person-centred care and proactive in responding to urgent needs, ensuring safety and comfort at all times.

The home excelled in partnership working and engagement extended to education providers, nurseries, and children’s services through intergenerational projects and shared learning initiatives, strengthening community ties and enhancing wellbeing.

Governance systems were robust, with clear accountability structures, effective audits, and effective service improvement plans. Leaders demonstrated transparency, inclusivity, and strong oversight, fostering a culture of learning and improvement.

Date of Assessment: 17 to 28 November 2025. The service is a care at home service providing support to adults of all ages living with dementia, a physical disability or sensory impairment in their own homes. At the time of our inspection, 16 people were receiving support with personal care. We inspected the service due to concerns received by the general public.

Staff delivered safe, effective, and person-centred support for people living at home. Care systems were well organised, with regular reviews and prompt updates when people’s needs changed. Staff worked closely with families, GPs, pharmacies, and social care teams to ensure smooth transitions and consistent support.

People were safeguarded through vigilant practice and clear understanding of risks linked to mobility, medication, confusion, and isolation. Risk assessments were proactive and involved people in decisions about safe routines. Environmental checks, medication management, and infection control were carried out reliably across all visits.

Assessments were thorough and reflected personal care needs, communication requirements, mobility levels, and health conditions. Staff followed evidence-based practice, worked cohesively across teams, and encouraged people to maintain independence, wellbeing, and healthier daily routines. Care was continuously monitored, and improvements were implemented promptly.

Staff delivered care with kindness, empathy, and respect. People were treated as individuals, and daily routines were shaped around personal preferences and choices. Relatives told us people were cared for with dignity. Staff responded sensitively to urgent or unexpected needs, and workforce wellbeing was supported through supervision and open communication.

Care remained responsive, flexible, and centred on people’s changing needs. Information was shared clearly, feedback was valued, and equitable access to support was consistently promoted. Planning for future care was handled sensitively in line with people’s wishes.

Leadership promoted a transparent and inclusive culture. Governance systems were strong, partnerships with community professionals enhanced care quality, and the service demonstrated ongoing learning and improvement. The service maintained high standards of safety, effectiveness, compassion, and responsiveness across service delivery.