Archived: Cypress Lodge

We looked at written records, which included people's care records, staffing rosters and quality assurance documentation. We spoke with four of the people who used the service and we also spoke with the manager and another member of care staff who was on duty.

We considered our inspection findings to answer the five questions we always ask: Is the home caring? Is the home responsive? Is the home safe? Is the home effective? Is the home well led? This is a summary of what we found based on our observations during the inspection.

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

Is the home caring?

We spoke with four people who lived at the home. One person said to us, "I like living here. I'm looking forward to my holiday." Another person said, "I am happy because I live here." People were able to use documents containing photographs of key aspects of their lives to tell us all about themselves.

All of the interactions we observed between staff and the people who used the service were respectful, encouraging and friendly. There was a relaxed atmosphere in the home. The service was clean and was personalised to the people who lived there. People's privacy and dignity was respected, and people were encouraged and supported to maximise their independence.

Is the home responsive?

People were consulted about and involved in their own care planning and the provider acted in accordance with their wishes. Care plans and risk assessments were informative, kept up to date and regularly reviewed.

Staff told us that the manager and other senior staff were approachable and they would have no difficulty speaking to them if they had any concerns about the service.

Is the home safe?

The accommodation was adapted to meet the needs of the people living there. It was suited to caring for people with limited mobility and was properly maintained. The provider had systems in place that ensured the safe receipt, storage, administration and recording of medicines.

There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff on duty at the home. There was a proper process in place in relation to the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).

Is the home effective?

People we spoke with were satisfied with the care and support they received. This was consistent with positive feedback from people reported in the provider's own annual quality assurance survey. The manager and the staff member we spoke with were knowledgeable about individual people's care needs, and this knowledge was consistent with the care records.

Is the service well led?

Staff said that they felt well supported by the manager, there was a good team ethic and they were able do their jobs safely. The provider had a range of quality monitoring systems in place to ensure that care was being delivered appropriately by staff, that the service was continuously improving and that people were satisfied with the service they were receiving.

People we spoke with were able to verbally tell us about the care they received and if they were happy. People appeared happy and relaxed in the company of the staff and were seen to be engaged in discussions about the day's activities ahead. The staff were observed supporting people in a sensitive and inclusive manner.

We looked at people's personal care files to see if their care assessment documentation met their needs. We spoke with all six people who used the service and one member of staff during our inspection. We received positive comments from people living in the home. People told us how staff supported them to be as independent as possible and their comments included; "I like it here, people are nice I go on holiday". "I can go to the shop when I want to." "I enjoy my art classes, I go for four days a week."

Staff we spoke with told us "We get people involved in their lives. They make the choices albeit with their medication, outings, the building and gardens we support them".

One person told us "I'm down to do the washing up today after the evening meal, I like to help out with some of the chores".

Another person showed us how they plan the meals for the week and how this is displayed for people to see the meal option that would be prepared that day.

People and staff interacted in a friendly manner throughout the visit and our observations showed us people were comfortable, relaxed and very much at home. One person required more assistance and support than usual and we saw that they were reassured by staff who arranged a health professional appointment quickly for them.

People told us they attended the main day centre and went out four days a week. Everyone told us they enjoyed the various activities there with one person showing us how they had carried on with their hobby when back at home.

One person told us they enjoyed a lie in on their day at home.

Overall, people were very involved with their own care to continue to carry on with their hobbies and interests, visit family and have their views taken into account when planning meals, outings and joining in with household tasks.