Quality Checker Report: Cornerstones

Healthwatch Wiltshire and Wiltshire People First carried out a Quality Checker visit to Cornerstones, a residential care home in Devizes for adults with learning disabilities, on 27 August 2015. At the time of the visit, three residents lived at the home. The visit involved a volunteer quality checker and a Wiltshire People First supporter, who spent approximately 45 minutes speaking with residents and staff and observing the service. 

The visiting team found Cornerstones to be a safe, friendly, and homely environment where residents appeared well supported. Staff welcomed the visitors and, although the manager was on leave and some staff were initially unsure about the purpose of the visit, they cooperated fully and assisted residents in sharing their experiences.

Accessibility within the home was mixed. The property had a spacious accessible shower room and toilet on the ground floor, but the quality checker noted that access could be difficult for people using mobility aids because of steps at the entrance and gate. The visitors did not see much evidence of easy-read information, and menus were displayed in written form only. Staff explained that information was often read aloud because some residents had limited ability to use written or pictorial communication.

Staff were observed to be highly knowledgeable about the individual needs of residents and to have developed strong relationships with them. The three residents had different support needs, and staff demonstrated a clear understanding of how best to communicate with and support each person. For one resident who did not use speech, staff relied on their knowledge of his body language, preferences, and behaviour to understand and respond to his needs. 

The report found that residents were treated with dignity and respect. Staff interacted warmly with residents and appeared to enjoy positive relationships with them. Residents were supported to make choices about many aspects of their daily lives, including meals, bedroom routines, activities, and trips out. One resident had chosen a new colour scheme for the lounge, another had decided not to attend a day centre because it was too noisy, while a third chose to attend a day centre four days a week. Staff respected these individual preferences. 

Feedback from residents was positive. One resident said she had lived at Cornerstones for more than ten years and preferred it to a previous placement. She commented that staff were friendly, treated residents as “normal people,” and looked after her well. Another resident also said he enjoyed living in the home. 

The visiting team highlighted several examples of good practice. Staff supported residents to maintain relationships with former carers and arranged special visits when requested. They also facilitated a variety of outings and activities, including trips to the seaside, shopping trips, drives, local events, puzzles, games, and access to DVDs chosen by residents. The team felt staff made considerable effort to make residents’ lives enjoyable and interesting. 

Overall, the quality checker concluded that Cornerstones was a happy and supportive home where residents’ needs were met and where staff showed genuine care and commitment. The report praised the positive relationships between residents and staff and the focus on personal choice and independence. 

A small number of recommendations were made. These included improving physical access for people with mobility difficulties, increasing the availability of easy-read information, reducing potential clutter or trip hazards in communal areas, and continuing planned improvements to the lounge environment. Despite these suggestions, the report found that the service was providing a good standard of care and support.