Archived: Summer Lodge

As part of this inspection we spoke with four people who used the service, the registered manager and two care workers.

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, speaking with people who used the service, the staff supporting them and from looking at records.

If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.

Is the service safe?

People were treated with respect and dignity by the staff. People told us they felt safe. Safeguarding procedures were robust and staff understood how to safeguard the people they supported.

Systems were in place to make sure that managers and staff learn from events such as accidents and incidents, complaints, concerns, whistleblowing and investigations. This reduced the risks to people and helped the service to continually improve.

The home had policies and procedures in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), although no applications had needed to be submitted. Relevant staff had been trained to understand when an application should be made, and in how to submit one. This meant that people were be safeguarded as required.

The service was safe, clean and hygienic. Equipment had been well maintained and serviced regularly therefore did not put people at unnecessary risk.

The registered manager set the staff rotas, which took people's care needs into account when making decisions about the numbers, qualifications, skills and experience required. This helped to ensure that people's needs are always met.

Recruitment practices were safe and thorough. No staff had been subject to disciplinary action. Policies and procedures were in place to make sure that unsafe practice was identified and people were protected.

Is the service effective?

There was an advocacy service available if people needed it, this meant that when required people could access additional support.

People's health and care needs were assessed with them, and they had been involved in writing their plans of care. Specialist dietary, mobility and equipment needs had been identified in care plans where required. People said that they had been involved in writing them and they reflected their current needs.

The registered manager confirmed that visitors were able to see people in private and that visiting times were flexible.

Is the service caring?

People were supported by kind and attentive staff. We saw that care workers showed patience and gave encouragement when supporting people. People commented 'The staff are very friendly and kind to me'. Another person told us 'The staff are very good, caring and nice. They all seem very competent'.

People who used the service, their relatives or friends involved with the service completed an annual satisfaction survey. Where shortfalls or concerns had been raised these were addressed.

People's preferences, interests, aspirations and diverse needs had been recorded and care and support had been provided in accordance with people's wishes.

Is the service responsive?

People completed a range of activities in and outside the service regularly. The home had a dedicated activity co-ordinator, and people told us that they had regular activities planned and trips out of the home, which helped to keep them involved with their local community.

People knew how to make a complaint if they were unhappy. One person said that they had made a complaint and was satisfied with the outcome. We looked at how complaints had been dealt with, and found that the responses had been open, thorough and timely. People can therefore be assured that complaints are investigated and action is taken as necessary.

Is the service well-led?

The service worked well with other agencies and services to make sure people received their care in a joined up way.

The service had a quality assurance system, records seen by us showed that identified shortfalls were addressed promptly. As a result the quality of the service was continuingly improving.

Staff we spoke with told us they were clear about their roles and responsibilities. Staff had a good understanding of the ethos of the home and quality assurance processes were in place. This helped to ensure that people received a good quality service at all times.

The people we spoke with told us they were happy with the care they had received and with the staff. A person who used the service told us 'People are very sociable and happy here, it's a nice place to live'. Staff we spoke with had a good understanding of the support needs of the people who used the service. A care worker told us 'We provide a good service to the residents, I'm happy with the care we provide'.

We saw that the service had systems in place to gain and review consent to care and treatment from people who used the service. The overall appearance of the service was clean and we saw that they had appropriate systems and policies in place in respect to cleanliness and infection control.

We spoke with two care workers during our inspection and were told that they felt valued and supported and that their training needs had been met. We looked at staffing rotas and during our visit observed levels of staffing. We saw that the service had sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff to support people. We also saw that care plans, staff records and other records relevant to the management of the home were accurate and fit for purpose.

We also took information from other sources to help us understand the views of people who use the service, which included a satisfaction survey and meeting minutes.

The people we spoke with told us they were generally happy with the care they received and with the staff team.

Staff we spoke with knew the people living at the home well and had a good understanding of their support needs.

One person who used the service told us 'I've got no reason to grumble, the rooms are nice and clean'. Another person who used the service we spoke with told us 'I get on well with everyone, we have our ups and downs, but I would hate to leave'.

One member of staff we spoke with told us 'We pull together as a team, that's the key to this place'.