Dalton Lodge

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 that people’s care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life, based on best available evidence.

This is the first assessment for this newly registered service. This key question has been rated. Good: This meant people’s outcomes were consistently good, and people’s feedback confirmed this.

This service scored 75 (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 were transitioned into the service and had settled well. Relatives felt their relative settled well and people were supported and welcomed by staff who were kind and caring. Comments from relatives included, “It wasn’t a bad transition, [person] got a bit confused about it all, that seems to have faded. Staff helped [them] to settle in and just listened to [them].” And “The settling in was good. We are happy with the home and the place.”

People's care needs were fully assessed prior to moving into the service. Assessments were completed and used to develop person-centred care plans for people. Care plans were regularly updated to include information about people’s health and wellbeing.

Staff demonstrated an understanding of people’s individual needs. Where people's needs changed, records were updated, and appropriate action was taken to ensure these needs were regularly assessed and managed. A staff member told us, “We really get to know our residents as individuals. For instance, we know someone that prefers female carers and likes to choose [their] outfit the night before. It's these little details that matter.”

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.

The service supported people in line with legislation and used current evidence based good practice effectively. Care records provided evidence to show good practice guidance was followed in areas such as nutrition, hydration and skin integrity. People and their relatives were involved in making decisions about their care A relative told us, “I was involved in that, they have got one of those books to fill in.” Another relative told us, “Yes someone came to visit us and have a chat about [person’s] likes etc.”

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.

People were supported to access services which enhanced their wellbeing, supported them to rehabilitate and maintain their independence. The service worked with a variety of professionals which included, GP's, district nurses and speech and language therapist.

Staff communicated well with professionals to ensure people who required support, received this in a timely way. Records contained detailed accounts of professional visits the advice given which was then reflected within care plans and continually monitored and reviewed by staff.

Staff meetings took place and staff provided feedback on how things were going. Some staffing issues were addressed by management.

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 were encouraged to maintain their independence. Staff knew people well and were quickly able to identify any changes to their health and wellbeing. A relative told us, “[Staff] promote their independence by helping them get ready.” And “[Staff] encourage [person] to walk around.”

The service offered a healthy menu featuring homemade, nutritious meals. A variety of snacks, including fresh fruit, were available. We observed staff actively encouraging and supporting people with eating and drinking. A relative told us, “Things are going very well, [person’s] mood is very good. [They] get 3 meals a day and is getting nice food and choices and [they] are happy.”

The provider routinely monitored people’s care and treatment to continuously improve it. They ensured that outcomes were positive and consistent, and that they met both clinical expectations and the expectations of people themselves.

Daily records were maintained and demonstrated regular care and support from staff. Health professional records were adhered to and followed up on to maintain people's health.

The home manager and all staff showed commitment to continuously monitoring and enhancing people’s quality of life. This was clearly demonstrated through detailed records and positive feedback from people and their relatives.

The provider told people about their rights around consent and respected these when delivering person-centred care and treatment.

People were asked their consent before staff provided care. Relatives observed people being asked for their permission, comments included, “Yes, they will ask her, they will ask her and give her time to think.” And “I have noticed that they ask him about if he would like a wash or his breakfast.”

People were supported to make informed decisions. Records showed consent was sought, and where individuals lacked capacity, decisions were made in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA).

We observed people were offered choices throughout the assessment site visits, and both people and their relatives’ felt staff were respectful of their wishes.