Acorn House - Croydon

Acorn House in Croydon provides residential care to older people with dementia, supporting up to thirty-one residents in an adapted building. At the time of inspection, twenty-three people were using the service. The home had experienced a period without a registered manager until June 2022, during which quality declined. The current manager has since implemented several improvements including appointing a deputy manager, establishing a new records system, arranging a new dispensing pharmacy, and updating staff training and supervision. Environmental improvements have also been made to enhance residents' comfort.

However, challenges remain in the service's operations. Management oversight of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards applications needs strengthening to ensure timely submissions and that people receive maximum choice and control over their lives. Staff do not consistently support residents in the least restrictive way possible. The service's policies and systems did not fully support best practice in these areas. Additionally, ongoing refurbishment and redecoration work is needed throughout the home to fully meet residents' needs.