The Old Garden Care Home

The following is CQC's published account of its assessment, published 30 October 2025. References to “we” mean CQC. It describes findings at that time.

Date of Assessment: We visited the home on 30 September 2025. Then we assessed records remotely until 13 October 2025. The service is a care home with nursing care providing support to older people living with dementia, nursing needs, and physical disabilities.

The inspection was prompted in part by notification of an incident following which a person using the service sustained a serious injury. This incident is subject to further investigation by CQC as to whether any regulatory action should be taken. As a result, this inspection did not examine the circumstances of the incident.

However, the information shared with CQC about the incident indicated potential concerns about the management of risk of safe moving and handling. This inspection examined those risks, and we found no evidence people were subject to ongoing risk.

The environment was clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed to support peoples' needs, including dementia-friendly features and accessible facilities such as a therapy pool and sensory garden. Staff were observed to be kind, respectful, and attentive, with positive relationships evident between them and the people they supported.

Care plans were generally well-tailored to individual preferences and needs, and people were involved in decisions about their care. However, some care records required refinement to better reflect capacity assessments and ensure clarity around decision-making processes, particularly in relation to Mental Capacity and Best Interest documentation.

Staffing was adequate, with robust recruitment and supervision processes in place. While most staff felt there were enough staff on duty, occasional shortages were noted during unplanned sickness absences.

Governance systems were comprehensive, with regular audits and clear evidence of learning from incidents. The management team were approachable and well regarded by staff and relatives. Feedback mechanisms were in place and contributed to a culture of continuous improvement.

People had access to a wide range of meaningful activities and community engagement opportunities. Information was provided in accessible formats, and staff supported people to maintain independence and make choices. End-of-life care was handled sensitively, with preferences recorded in care plans.