Beech Lodge - Mablethorpe

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. Staff worked in partnership with people to agree how to respond to changes in their needs. People’s care was person centred and actively promoted. People spent their day doing what was important to them and chose when and how they wanted to do things. One person told us, “I get showered and dressed and then go for breakfast where I take my medication. At 09:00 I go to the bowling green to do gardening. I then have tea and 3-4 times a week I go to the gym and go swimming.” Another person said, “I like living here. I like doing arts and crafts and have made a birthday card for my [relative], they come to see me. I like to go shopping and go to the cafe and I like listening to music. I like going to wildlife parks and have been to [two wildlife parks].”

Relatives said staff knew people’s likes and dislikes well and supported them to stay involved in their interests. One relative said, “We have found [Staff] get my [family member] involved in things. They have a job and like vegetable gardening. On the whole, [Staff] do very well to keep them entertained. They always give my [family member] jobs to do. They are a [person] that likes to be busy.”

People were involved in their reviews. Key workers sought their opinions in monthly meetings. Relatives could be involved where the person wanted this. One relative told us, “Yes, we used to get a review every year but we haven’t had one for a while, when we get one we can make suggestions.”

The provider understood people’s diverse health and care needs. Care was joined up, flexible and supported choice and continuity. Continuity of care was ensured by staff sharing clear and up to date information about people’s needs. Care plans and daily records were kept current so all staff understood how to support each person. Staff communicated well with external professionals to make sure support was smooth and consistent.

Relatives told us staff worked well with health professionals. They said communication was good and that concerns were acted on. One relative said, “Communication is good with us, particularly with my [family member’s] health. If we have any concerns about their health, we tell [staff] and they do act upon it.”

The provider gave people information that was accurate, up to date and in formats that met their individual needs. They worked in line with the Accessible Information Standard to make sure information was easy to understand. The Accessible Information Standard is a legal requirement that makes sure people receive information in a way they can understand and use.

Staff used pictures, large print, easy read language and some Makaton to help people understand and communicate. Makaton is a communication tool that uses signs, symbols and speech to support communication. Schedules, rotas and information about how people spent their time were all available in these formats. Some policies were also in easy read formats. People used these throughout the day and we saw them reading and referring to them often

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

People said they felt listened to and able to speak up. One person told us, “If I was unhappy or concerned about anything I would speak to any one of the staff.” The provider had not received any complaints but there was a complaint policy and process in place which was also available in easy read formats to ensure they were managed properly.

People and relatives were invited to share feedback via meetings, informal chats, surveys and reviews. Feedback from relatives about reviews was mixed. Some relatives said they had not had a recent review. Most relatives told us they and their family members were involved in reviews and that annual reviews and regular phone calls took place. One relative said, “There are care plan reviews and my [family member’s] invited and we are too, we go through the targets and whether they’ve managed to achieve them and what they want to achieve in the next year’.”

The provider made sure people could access the care, support and treatment they needed when they needed it. People accessed a range of local services. One person said, “I go the GP, dentist and [salon] to have my hair done.” Professionals gave positive feedback about working with the staff team. No barriers had yet been experienced when accessing local services, but staff understood how to challenge discrimination or physical barriers and were confident to do so.

Staff and leaders listened to information about people who might experience inequality. They tailored care, support and treatment to reduce any risks of poorer experiences or outcomes. Outcomes were monitored through regular reviews of people’s care and daily support. Staff looked at what was working well and what needed to change by checking care records, speaking with people and gathering feedback from relatives. Keyworker meetings and routine health appointments also helped staff identify progress or any concerns. Information from these checks was used to adjust care so it continued to meet people’s needs.

People were supported to plan for important life changes. Staff made sure people had enough time to think about their options and make informed decisions about their future, including at the end of their life. Not all staff were aware of LeDeR and the importance of its work. LeDeR is a national programme that reviews the lives and deaths of people with a learning disability and autistic people to understand why they often die younger and to help services improve and reduce health inequalities.

People’s wishes for illness or end of life were recorded in detail. These were personalised and reflected what mattered to each person. Staff understood the sensitivity needed when supporting people and their relatives. They approached these conversations with care and respect.