Wickmeads

The following is CQC's published account of its assessment, published 28 February 2025. References to “we” mean CQC. It describes findings at that time.

Wickmeads is registered to provide care and support for up to 50 people. The service provides residential care for older adults, some of whom are living with dementia. At the time of this inspection, there were 44 people living at the service. This was a planned inspection of quality statements under the key questions of safe, caring and responsive. The inspection took place on the 18 February 2025. People had risk assessments in place for all their care and support needs. Risk assessments were updated as things changed, and they supported people to be as safe as possible. Safeguarding procedures were in place and staff knew how to raise concerns within the service and externally, they were confident the registered manager would deal with the concerns fully. People can only be deprived of their liberty to receive care and treatment when this is in their best interests and legally authorised under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). In care homes, and some hospitals, this is usually through MCA application procedures called the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). We checked whether the service was working within the principles of the MCA, whether appropriate legal authorisations were in place, when needed, to deprive a person of their liberty, and whether any conditions relating to those authorisations were being met. Safe recruitment processes were in place, there were enough staff on duty to meet people’s needs. Staff were supported and suitably trained to provide care and support. Staff were passionate about their role and the support they received. A staff member said, “When I come here, I feel at peace.” There was a comprehensive induction and training programme for staff, which included competency checks. We received positive feedback about the home and management team from people, their relatives and staff.