Rivendale Lodge EMI Care Home

Updated 3 February 2026

Rivendale Lodge provides accommodation without nursing care for up to 27 older people living with dementia. Accommodation is arranged over 3 floors with stair lift access to the second floor. At the time of this inspection there were 23 people using the service. This unannounced inspection took place on the 10 February with a planned second day on 17 February 2026, prompted due to the length of time since the last comprehensive inspection. The home had a registered manager in post and a regular staff team, many of whom had worked at the home for several years.

The home had a warm friendly atmosphere. People were seen to be spending time how they chose, supported by kind and attentive staff who knew people well and were able to respond to their needs promptly. People were treated with kindness and compassion. Staff protected their privacy and dignity, treated people as individuals and supported their preferences. People had choice in their care and were encouraged to maintain relationships with family and friends. Staff responded to people in a timely way recognising when support or guidance was needed. People were supported to continue to do the things they enjoyed. There was a varied range of activities for people to attend to promote their wellbeing.

Safe recruitment processes were followed. Staff had access to appropriate training to enable them to safely meet people’s needs. Staff told us they enjoyed working at Rivendale Lodge. The registered manager worked closely with staff and supported staff wellbeing.

People and relatives were involved in decisions about how peoples care was provided and told us they were kept updated when any changes occurred, for example if their relative became unwell or support was needed from other health professionals. Staff provided information people could understand. Relatives knew how to give feedback and were confident any issues should they arise, would be dealt with promptly.

There were effective quality assurance and governance arrangements, ensuring consistent oversight and high standards of care. The registered manager had day to day oversight and worked closely with staff to ensure high standards of care were maintained.

Updated 3 February 2026

We received consistently positive feedback about the home. We spoke to people, relatives and a visiting professional during the inspection and received further feedback from relatives and health professionals following the inspection. Some people could not directly tell us about their experience. We used a structured observation tool to assess whether they received good care. This approach showed people were included and listened to and staff consistently interacted positively with them.

People appeared comfortable with staff and we observed positive and respectful interactions between staff and people living in the home throughout the inspection. The atmosphere was calm and relaxed with people receiving support when needed.

People told us they liked living at Rivendale and that they were looked after well. One told us, “It is quite a nice house and a good place to be.”

Relatives felt their loved ones were well cared for and looked after by kind and efficient staff. One said, “[Relatives name] is very happy here, and the staff are great. They are really doing well here. Very well looked after.” Another told us, “The manager and staff keep us updated. The residents are so happy in there. Aways smiling, the staff are so good with the residents. If they need anything there, they get it for them.”

Health professionals spoke highly of the staff and manager, telling us. “All staff members are extremely helpful. As an outside professional, I always feel welcomed and supported during my visit. Staff engage with resident’s visitors and are very welcoming, offering drinks and providing updates on the resident such as engagement in activities.”