During an assessment under our new approach
Date of Assessment: 22 and 27 May 2025. Dalton Lodge Care Home provides accommodation without nursing care for up to 64 people. Accommodation is arranged over two floors with stair and lift access. At the time of our visit there were 19 people using the service. Our inspection was prompted by concerns received about the management of the service, staffing levels, individual care, infection control, and medicines management. This was a comprehensive inspection, and we reviewed all the quality statements. This is the first inspection of this service since it registered on 1 November 2024, and we have rated the service Good in all key questions.
Overall staffing levels during our visit were sufficient to meet people’s needs. However, we found deployment of staff during medicines administration was not always adequate. Staff told us there were not always enough staff on duty, this had an impact on how care was delivered. Relatives were positive about the staff and numbers of staff available to care for their loved ones.
People were protected and kept safe by staff who received training and had regular supervision.
People’s health needs were met and the service worked well with stakeholders and other agencies. There were links with health and social care professionals. People’s health needs were met and the service worked well with stakeholders and other agencies. There were strong links with health and social care professionals. The home environment was clean, safe and well-maintained and had a homely presence.
Staff supported people with their nutritional needs and to access a range of health care professionals. Staff supported people in a kind, caring way and respected their decisions and choices. We fed back to the home manager and operational project manager our concerns related to a person being supported during mealtime and staff conduct. This had been addressed with staff during the inspection process.
Staff felt supported by the home manager and operations project manager, they felt confident to approach them
Risks to people’s health, safety and wellbeing were assessed and regularly reviewed. Some improvements were required in relation to the management of medicines, but we found people were receiving their medication as prescribed.
Governance arrangements had recently been strengthened through more enhanced monitoring and the recruitment at senior management level. The provider and home manager were accessible and approachable and committed to providing a person-centred, high-quality service. Audits and checks were in place to maintain oversight of the service.