Byron Lodge Care Home

On this page

• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

Effective – this means we looked for evidence people’s care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life, based on best available evidence. At our last assessment we rated this key question good. At this assessment the rating has remained good. This meant people’s outcomes were consistently good, and people’s feedback confirmed this.

This service scored 71 (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’s care and treatment was effective by assessing and reviewing their health, care, wellbeing and communication needs with them. People’s needs were assessed appropriately and recorded in their care plans. Improvements had been made to care plans, risk assessments and reviews. These changes needed to be sustained and embedded to ensure continuous service improvement. A relative told us, “In the relatives meeting [the provider] mentioned we could come in and talk about the care plan. They have invited us in the past to do a review. I am going to arrange to come in to do this with my sister. We work at different times, so it can be difficult for us to do it together, I am going to arrange this today.” Another relative said, “Yes, I have seen it and have been involved in the care plan. [The provider] are pretty good and when things change, they put it in the plan. I have talked to them about it in the office.”

The provider planned and delivered people’s care and treatment with them, including what was important and mattered to them. They did this in line with legislation and current evidence-based good practice and standards. We observed menus displayed around the care home which provided clear information about the meal options for the week ahead. Food prepared and served at lunchtime was in line with the displayed menus. There were hydration stations throughout the care home and people were offered choices of drinks throughout the day. People’s care plans accurately recorded their fluid intake. People received appropriate help and support at mealtimes which ensured they were able to eat their meals whilst maintaining their dignity. One person told us, “The food nothing to crack on about, but it could be a lot worse. It will do for me, I get plenty.” Another person said, “I can choose what I want. I love the food, it’s very good.” A relative told us, “I like to come and help [family member] with their tea. I don’t have to I like to do this. [Members of staff] will do it if I am not here. They brought me a cup of tea, without me asking, it’s a really nice feeling. [Family member] is eating really well now.” Another relative said, “[Members of staff] feed [family member] here and do it with love and care.” A relative told us about how the care home supported different dietary requirements, “[Member of staff] talk to [family member] properly and encourage them to eat and drink. At mealtimes, if they are struggling to eat, [members of staff] help them. [Members of staff] watch them to make sure they eat. [Family member] is lactose intolerant and they cater for him. For example, they get their own custard and cream.”

The provider worked well across teams and services to support people. They made sure people only needed to tell their story once by sharing their assessment of needs when people moved between different services. Teams of staff worked well together. There was good communication and support between teams which enabled joined-up care for people. For example, members of staff from the kitchen knew about people's dietary preferences and foods. They were able to encourage people to eat their meals using their skills and knowledge about their dietary requirements and personal preferences.

The provider supported people to manage their health and wellbeing to maximise their independence, choice and control. Staff supported people to live healthier lives and where possible, reduce their future needs for care and support. People had good access to support from their local GP practice. GPs and Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs) carried out regular visits and ward rounds. The provider and the management team told us the relationship with local clinicians had improved. We asked people about their access to clinical services and support. A relative told us, “[Family member] had sores when they came in [to the care home]. I think they are alright now. On Sunday their hand was swollen, the Doctor is going to come and have a look at it. I think it is getting better. The Doctor, ambulances and the chiropodist have come when [family member] has needed them.” Another relative said, “[Family member] has osteoporosis and has seen a physiotherapist. I raised concerns as their toenails were really bad. It wasn’t picked up by the staff. I brought it up and they arranged for a chiropodist to come.” Another relative told us, “[Family member] is prone to chest infections, they get the Doctor out to see them. I noticed [family member] had a problem with their eye and nurse said they would look after it.”

The provider routinely monitored people’s care and treatment to continuously improve it. They ensured outcomes were positive and consistent, and met both clinical expectations and the expectations of people themselves. The management team had monitored and reviewed hydration targets for people and had identified a reduction in hospital admissions as a result of improved hydration for people.

The provider told people about their rights around consent and respected these when delivering person-centred care and treatment. People's consent to care and support was recorded in their care plans. Where they did not have capacity, this was recorded as a best interest decision in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.