Aniska Lodge

On this page

• Overview
• Person-centred Care
• Care provision, Integration and continuity
• Providing Information
• Listening to and involving people
• Equity in access
• Equity in experiences and outcomes
• Planning for the future

Responsive – this means we looked for evidence that the provider met people’s needs.

At our last assessment we rated this key question good. At this assessment the rating has remained good.

This meant people’s needs were met through good organisation and delivery.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

The provider made sure people were at the centre of their care and treatment choices and they decided, in partnership with people, how to respond to any relevant changes in people’s needs.

People’s care plans were person centred and reflected their individual preferences, life histories and wishes. Care plans were updated to reflect any changes to people’s needs. Daily records showed people were receiving the care they needed. We saw there was a relaxed atmosphere at Aniska. People appeared to enjoy the company of staff. They told us they were happy with the care and support they received, and staff knew them well. Feedback from staff included, ‘In my role, I plan and run activities to help residents stay active, happy, and engaged. I always try to make sure the activities match their interests and needs.’

People’s care was not rushed enabling staff to spend time with them. Staff spent time listening to people and responded to their questions. They explained what they were doing and offered reassurance. Feedback from visitors included, ‘The most amazing thing I have experienced is the level of activities and community involvement. They go out of their way to ensure residents experience a host of activities and this is often extended to family and friends which is wonderful. My friend has never engaged in the way he does now which I believe is due to staff encouragement and support.’ Another visitor provided feedback which included, ‘Overall I have had a fantastic experience of the home, and I have experienced many over the years!’

The provider understood the diverse health and care needs of people and their local communities, so care was joined-up, flexible and supported choice and continuity.

Staff worked effectively with health and social care professionals to ensure people received joined up care provision and continuity. A variety of health and social care professionals visited the service on a regular basis to discuss and respond to people’s care and support needs. Feedback from visiting healthcare professionals included, ‘They appear to have a good working relationship with their nominated GP who visits regularly.’ Records showed staff referred people to other professionals when required. Visiting professionals also provided training to staff.

The provider supplied appropriate, accurate and up-to-date information in formats that were tailored to individual needs.

People and, where appropriate, their relatives were provided with information about the service in formats that met their needs. Feedback from a visitor included, ‘I have always found the staff there to be welcoming, friendly and professional. They always update me at the time of visit but also via phone calls of anything relevant affecting my friend. On visits I see first-hand their thoughtfulness, genuineness and attentiveness towards the residents. There is always evidence that the know them very well, including my friend.’ Notice boards were on display throughout the service providing people with relevant information. People were able to access a copy of their care plan if they wanted.

The provider made it easy for people to share feedback and ideas, or raise complaints about their care, treatment and support. Staff involved people in decisions about their care and told them what had changed as a result.

People were supported to continue engaging in activities and hobbies that interested them. Feedback from a visiting healthcare professional included, ‘The activities staff are engaging with residents and there is always a general uplifting feeling within the home, the pink uniform is bright and therefore easily recognised by some residents.’ People’s preferences were sought through conversations with staff. A staff member told us, “They [people] have their own personalities.”

Staff told us the registered manager was open to suggestions, and they felt confident any issues raised would be dealt with. Staff were given regular opportunities through handovers and staff meetings to express ideas. Staff told us, “I have good colleagues.”

The provider made sure that people could access the care, support and treatment they needed when they needed it.

Staff supported people to access healthcare appointments and helped to advocate on people’s behalf when needed. Feedback from a visiting healthcare professional included, ‘I have always found Aniska Lodge to be responsive and keen to work collaboratively to provide appropriate and timely support for the people I support.’ Activity sessions also supported people’s mental and emotional well-being by engaging them to interact with others. There were various organised group activities and also one to one sessions for people who wished to stay in their rooms. During our visit we saw people engaged and enjoying an exercise class.

Staff and leaders were innovative in how they listened to information about people who are most likely to experience inequality in experience or outcomes. Staff and leaders actively used this information to provide exceptionally tailored care, support and treatment in response to this.

People’s diverse needs and wishes were assessed, documented and respected. The provider had an equality and diversity policy and procedure in place and staff had received training to understand this. People were empowered and encouraged to share their wishes. They told us staff listened, and they were able to have open conversations with staff. People gave examples of how their wishes regarding who delivered their care was respected.

People were given exceptional support to plan for important life changes, so they could make informed decisions about their future, including at the end of their life.

People were cared for and supported at the end of their lives. Staff worked with palliative care teams to assess and plan ensuring people’s needs and wishes were respected. A visiting healthcare professional provided feedback which included, ‘I have been really impressed with the end of life care that is delivered by the team. [Registered manager] is always striving to improve resident care and experience.’ The feedback received included details of specific care people had received at Aniska, and, ‘I wanted to share this due to the individualised care that I am always impressed with.’ Nurses and care staff had received relevant training to ensure they knew how to provide dignified, comfortable and pain free care whenever possible.