Archived: Enmore Lodge

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary describes what we observed, the records we looked at and what people using the service and staff told us.

Is the service safe?

People told us that the care staff treated them well and they felt safe. Comments about the service included, 'It's very quiet, only three of us here', "It's quite good' and 'everything's alright'.

We saw that the premises were kept clean and regular checks took place to make sure that it was a safe place for people to live and work in. It was however noted that the home environment was quite dated in appearance and some areas would clearly benefit from re-decoration and updating. People using the service told us, "it needs a revamp" and "the garden needs a clear up".

We found that medication arrangements were safe. Medicines were being stored safely and records showed staff were administering medicines to people as prescribed by their doctor. This meant people were protected from the risks associated with unsafe medicines management.

Is the service effective?

Care plans were found to be up to date reflecting the person, their needs and preferences. The records showed that when people's needs changed, the home made the appropriate referrals and updated the plans to reflect the changes.

People's assessed needs were being met by staff with the necessary skills and knowledge. We saw that staff had access to the training and supervision that helped them do their jobs well.

Is the service caring?

People using the service told us that staff treated them with respect and they were content living at the home. We saw that staff knew the people they supported well and understood the importance of treating people with dignity and respect.

Is the service responsive?

Staff told us people participated in some activities and we saw records for one person referencing participation in a quiz, current affairs discussion and listening to music. One person told us, 'we used to do more when it was full' and another individual told us there were sometimes no other people around to talk to but they enjoyed talking with the staff when they were available.

People said they knew how to make a complaint and felt able to approach the manager or other staff. We saw that individuals were also able to give their views formally at twice monthly meetings and these were acted upon. We saw discussion had taken place around areas such as menus, activities and household maintenance.

Is the service well-led?

We found that quality assurance processes were in place at Enmore Lodge. People using the service told us they were satisfied with the service provided to them and said that they felt able to raise any issues they had with staff or the provider directly. We saw that questionnaires had recently been given out to each person using the service asking their opinion of the service provided.

People said that they had care plans that met their needs and that they did activities they enjoyed. One person said, 'I have a care plan, it sets out what I will be cooking, its part of my care plan. I am being helped to do other things too so that I can be more independent'. Another person told us that they had a care plan, they said, 'It was recently reviewed and I signed it. I met with my key worker quite recently. We discussed my care plan and what was in it'.

People told us that they knew how to make a complaint if they needed to do so.

Overall, we have found that the provider meets the essential standards but to maintain this we have suggested that some improvements are made. Please see main report for this information.