All inspections: Robert Bean Lodge - Care Quality Commission

The inspection visit was carried out by one Inspector and lasted for five hours. During this time we viewed most areas of the home, and talked with the manager, and six other staff. We met and chatted with 12 people living in the home, and looked at a variety of records.

We found that the home was divided into four main units. Chaffinch, Blackbird and Woodpecker units each provided care for ten older people; and Willow unit provided care for four older people.

A fifth unit, Napier, was run by a separate manager, and provided care for eight people with complex physical and learning disabilities. This unit provided only respite care.

Most people in the main part of the home had dementia care needs, and were not all able to express themselves clearly. We saw that people appeared relaxed and comfortable in the environment; and many were laughing and smiling. We carried out a 'SOFI' observation for half an hour, and noticed that the staff interacted well with people, and were aware of their different characters and wishes.

We saw that there were many cards and letters from relatives expressing their thanks to the staff. Some of these included the following comments:

'I would like to express my sincere thanks to you and your dedicated staff for the wonderful care given to our relative.'

'People are always treated with dignity and respect.'

'The staff are helpful and informative.'

'Thank you a million. Words cannot express my appreciation.'

We talked with 12 people living in the home during the course of the visit, and met several others. We received only positive comments, and these included:

'I can't fault the home. I couldn't be in a better place. This is my special home, and they have given me back the will to live.'

'The staff are all really, really lovely.'

'It is very good here, and the food is very good.'

'I am very happy here.'

'The staff look after me very well.'

'There are lots of things to join in with if you want to, but I don't have to if I don't feel like it.'

A relative said:

'The staff are all very approachable. If I had any concerns I could talk to any of them, but I don't have any concerns. My relative is really settled here.'

Last year's questionnaires included comments such as:

'X has settled well into Robert Bean Lodge and is very happy and content.'

'We are very happy withy the care that X receives.'

'I firmly believe that I couldn't have found a better place for my mother.'

'All the staff are very helpful and friendly, and I am happy with the way they look after my relative.'

'I am grateful for the dedication and care given by all the staff.'

These older reports are from our old approaches to inspection, including those from before CQC was created.

Archived: Robert Bean Lodge

All Inspections

15 November 2012

During a routine inspection

10 October 2011

During a routine inspection

Reports under our old system of regulation