POST-CHRISTMAS BREAKDOWN — Staff discussion points (LOVE)

This is not a blame exercise and it is not an inspection.
It assumes staff care deeply and want to do the right thing.

Use these questions to guide discussion. You do not need to cover them all.

L — Living with Meaning
How were staff able to support meaning, connection, and choice during this period?
- Who was supported to send cards, messages, or gifts to people important to them?
- Who needed help with phone calls or video calls, and how was that supported?
- Who was able to receive visits in a way that felt like hosting (choosing where to sit, setting the pace, welcoming family)?
- Who enjoyed getting involved in decorations, music, or small preparations?
- Who preferred to opt out, and was that choice respected without pressure or judgement?
- Was there a Christmas-free / low-stimulus space (other than bedrooms) for people who weren’t enjoying the atmosphere?
- Were different faiths, cultures, or personal traditions noticed and supported where possible?

O — Observed and Respected
Did staff have the time, space, and headroom to notice how people were responding — and respond respectfully?
- Did staff generally have enough time and space to notice how people were responding day-to-day?
- Who did staff make a conscious effort to notice, especially quieter or less demanding people?
- Were changes in mood or wellbeing noticed as well as physical safety needs?
- Were there moments staff noticed someone needed extra support but couldn’t respond immediately due to urgent tasks (such as personal care)?
- How did that feel for staff at the time (frustration, worry, “I saw it but couldn’t get there”)?
- When things were rushed, how did staff keep tone, language, and body language calm and respectful?
- Were people spoken to directly and included in what was happening, even when tasks were pressing?

V — Valued and Independent
How was independence protected when staff time and energy were under pressure?
- Who was supported to do things for themselves, even when it took longer?
- Where did staff successfully adapt routines to keep people involved and active?
- Were choices about clothing, meals, and where to sit protected as much as possible?
- Were there moments staff stepped in quickly because of time pressure, even though they would have preferred to support independence?
- Did anyone temporarily lose usual routines, roles, or choices during this period?
- How were mobility aids, pacing, and adaptations used to support participation?
- What moments are staff proud of in how independence was supported?

E — Emotional and Personal Safety
How emotionally safe did this period feel — for the people who live here and the staff supporting them?
- Who found this period emotionally difficult (grief, absence, loneliness, overwhelm), even if they didn’t say so clearly?
- Were people supported to reminisce or talk about memories when they wanted to?
- Were difficult emotions acknowledged rather than rushed, redirected, or shut down?
- Was noise, activity, or expectation overwhelming for anyone, and how was that managed?
- Were people able to step away from festivities without feeling isolated or excluded?
- Were staff able to take a moment for themselves if things felt emotionally heavy?
- Were there moments of moral frustration where staff knew what someone needed emotionally but couldn’t meet it at that moment? What support would help next time?
- Were privacy and dignity protected during emotional moments and personal care?

Closing
- What should we be taking forward to next year?
- What are we leaving behind?