- Homecare service
Sagecare (Chesil Lodge)
Assessment report published 5 February 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Date of Assessment: 9 to 19 December 2025. This assessment covered of all the 5 key questions. This was our first inspection of the service since the provider registered with The Care Quality Commission (CQC) in October 2023. The service is an extra care service providing support to older and younger people living in their own homes within a large purpose-built shared building. Not everyone who used the service were receiving a regulated activity. Those that were had the regulated activity of personal care. Personal care is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating.At the time of our assessment, they were providing personal care services to 22 people.
The provider consistently supported people to regain independence after periods of self-neglect or previous failed care placements. Staff helped people rebuild confidence and skills to improve health, manage medical conditions, and enhance wellbeing. They worked in partnership with people to create a strong sense of community within the service. This was evident in the wide range of activities tailored to individual needs and preferences. People reported very positive outcomes, including improved wellbeing and reduced social isolation.
People were happy with the standard of care. They said they had formed good relationships with caring and respectful staff. Care was delivered reliably and at consistent times. People were involved in planning and reviewing their care, and care plans reflected their preferences and included clear instructions for managing risks. The provider worked effectively with external professionals to ensure people received the support needed to promote positive health outcomes. Staff supported people to manage medicines safely, following best practice and respecting individual preferences for the level of support.
Staff had good knowledge of people’s needs and received training and ongoing support relevant to their roles. They understood safeguarding procedures and acted promptly to protect people from harm. Records of incidents and safeguarding alerts showed the provider understood their responsibilities in keeping people safe.
The manager maintained a clear overview of the service and used effective systems to monitor care quality. This helped to ensure care levels were adjusted when people’s needs changed. The manager had applied to register with CQC, and the application was in progress at the time of inspection. Leaders had clear responsibilities and maintained open and positive relationships with people and staff. Senior leaders provided regular oversight, understood key challenges, and implemented improvements where needed. The provider sought people’s feedback about their care. They valued people’s opinion and used feedback as an opportunity to learn, reflect and make improvements.
People's experience of this service
We spoke to 14 people and relatives on site or via telephone to gain their feedback about the care they received.
People told us they were happy with the quality of care. They said care was reliable and they felt safe being supported by staff. Comments included, “I feel quite safe and comfortable with them (staff).” People told us they were cared for by regular teams of staff who understood their needs. Comments included, “If a new (staff member) starts, they always come a couple of times with one of the more experienced carers to get to know the ropes.”
People said staff arrived at agreed times, stayed for the full duration of care visits, and completed all planned tasks. They told us staff were respectful and did not rush them during personal care. Comments included, “Their (staff) timekeeping is pretty good and they take their time with me” and “The carers (staff) are all very nice and absolutely do a wonderful job.”
People told us they were treated with dignity and respect. Comments included, “They (staff) are kind, caring and very respectful towards me”, “I never feel rushed when the carers (staff) are here” and “(Staff) are all very nice and they understand that I like to do things as much as I can for myself.” People said staff were professional and appropriately trained. Comments included, “The carers (staff) are well trained and do what they need to do.”
People told us they had formed positive relationships with staff and appreciated the companionship they offered. One person told us, “The thing that has always been a constant is the care staff are all wonderful.” People and relatives said staff promoted positive outcomes around reducing social isolation. Comments included, “The staff really do make an effort to make sure different events and activities go ahead and everyone has access if they want to join in but respect the wishes of those who don’t” and “I cannot fault the care (my relative) receives. The difference in her is profound since the carers (staff) have been coming in; she is getting well looked after. It is very evident she is much happier.”
People told us they were involved in planning and reviewing their care. Comments included, “When I first moved here, I had a meeting with the manager to discuss my care plans, and a care plan was agreed” and “The manager comes to see me and reviews my care needs.” People said care was arranged around their needs and adjusted flexibly when required. Comments included, “I don’t very often need to change my times of calls but if I need to, they (the provider) are very good at doing so.”
People told us management staff were approachable and listened to feedback. Comments included, “I would speak to the manager if I had an issue that needed sorting. I am extremely happy with all they do for me. I don’t think there is any room for improvement” and “I have never needed to make a complaint as I am quite happy with everything. It all works very well for me. I wouldn’t hesitate to speak to the manager if I had to.”
People said staff supported them to manage risks related to their care and medical conditions. This included supporting people to mobilise safely, manage skin conditions, and carry out personal care tasks. Comments included, “Staff are pretty good at what they do. They wash me and check my skin as I have a skin problem” and “I have trouble with balance, so the staff keep me safe when I am in the shower.”
People told us they received effective support from staff to manage their medicines. One person said, “They (staff) will give me my tablets (prescribed medicines) at the right time for me to take and there have been no errors.”
People said staff followed good infection control practices when providing support. One person said: “The staff wear their gloves and aprons."