Lyons Court Care Home

Updated 18 March 2025

Date of assessment: 15 April to 8 May 2025.

Lyons Court is a care home providing accommodation personal and nursing care to a maximum of 50 older people, including people who may live with dementia or with mental health needs. At the time of our visit, 41 people were using the service. A registered manager was in post.At our last inspection, we identified breaches of legal regulation in relation to safe care and treatment and good governance. At this inspection, improvements had been made, and the provider was no longer in breach of regulations. People, relatives and staff spoke positively about the registered manager and the improvements being made.

The environment was becoming better maintained, there was a programme of refurbishment around the home. However, we signposted the provider to design the environment so that it meets the needs of people who may live with dementia or a dementia related condition to keep them orientated and informed. Improvements had been made to infection control. However, we discussed with the registered manager further improvements were needed to ensure all areas of the home were clean and odour free.

People received a varied diet. We discussed with the registered manager that improvements could be made to people’s dining experience, including the provision of appropriate dining furniture for people. Information was accessible, however, people did not always have information in formats to suit them, for example, when choosing meals for the day.

Care records were in place to ensure staff had guidance to meet people’s needs in a more person-centred way. Risks to people had been assessed and care plans were in place to help mitigate risks as far as possible. Accidents and incidents were investigated thoroughly, action taken, and lessons learned. Equipment was available to meet people’s needs and to help maintain their independence.

People’s mental capacity and ability to consent was taken into account. People and their representatives were involved in planning their care and support. Staff received training to help ensure they were trained and competent to carry out their role to ensure people’s care and safety.

There were sufficient trained staff who worked with other professionals to ensure people's needs were met in a safe and timely way. Staff treated people with kindness and compassion. However, we discussed with the registered manager the improvements that were needed to staff engagement with people and to the provision of activities and entertainment to ensure all people were kept engaged and stimulated, if they wished.

There was robust recruitment of new staff. People, relatives and staff spoke positively about the service and management. They were consulted and asked to give their feedback about service provision. Governance was more effective. However, more frequent audits, and walk arounds were needed to ensure the timeliness of actions and to maintain the quality and safety of service provision.

Updated 18 March 2025

People, relatives and professionals were positive about the service and complimentary about the care provided by staff. Their comments included, “I am quite happy here, it is good for me”, “Staff talk to us, communication is good, we have good relations with all of them” and “I am happy with the care. It is a nice place, nice and warm.” People and their relatives told us they were safe and they were listened to. Their comments included, “[Name] says they feel safe here, they couldn’t cope on their own” and “It is a safe environment.” There were enough competent staff to meet people’s needs safely. People’s comments included, “I think they have plenty of staff, it is a big place, there is always someone to ask” and “Everybody is here to make sure you get what you want.” However, we observed although people were supervised, they were not occupied or stimulated as not all staff interacted with people, except when they provided care. A person commented, “I only see staff at dinner time and medicines time.” We received mixed feedback about activities and entertainment. A relative commented, “[Name] needs a social life and activities to keep them occupied.” People enjoyed a varied diet. Where people were at risk of poor nutrition and or hydration their intake was monitored. Peoples’ and relatives’ comments included, “The chef caters well for [Name]’s diet. They look carefully at that”, “No problem with the food, there are snacks as well” and “The food is pretty good, healthy options, [Name] enjoys most of it, they like the sweets.” People’s health and care and treatment needs were met, with the involvement of appropriate professionals where needed. Comments included, “Staff ring if [Name] needs to see the doctor, they were in to see [Name] last week” and “The nurse comes in every week from the practice. The doctor comes in too.” People were supported to maintain their independence and positive risk taking was promoted. People’s comments included, “I get a lot from here, I can do a bit but not as much as before, I get support from staff.” People were supported to make choices and were involved in decision making about their care and support. A relative commented, “Staff know [Name] well. I think they ask [Name] what they want. Sometimes they like a lie in, other times they are up early.”