We carried out a review of the data available to us about Avon Lodge Care Home on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Avon Lodge Care Home, you can give feedback on this service.
People's experience of using this service and what we found
People told us they felt safe. There were safeguarding procedures in place and staff and managers had a clear understanding of these procedures. Risks to people were assessed and staff were aware of the action to take to minimise risks where they had been identified.
Appropriate recruitment checks took place before staff started work and there were enough staff available to meet people's care and support needs. People's medicines were managed safely. There were procedures in place to reduce the risk of infections and COVID- 19.
There were effective systems in place to monitor the quality of care that people received. Staff felt valued and listened to; people and their relatives also confirmed they were engaged with the service and their feedback was sought about the care at the home. The operations manager and staff worked with health and social care providers to drive improvement and to deliver an effective service.
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was Good (published 14 November 2017). At this inspection the service continued to be rated Good.
Why we inspected
We carried out an inspection of the home to check how the home was being managed. This was because the provider had employed several registered managers since the last inspection who had not remained in post. We also followed up on information we had received. This was in relation to infection prevention and control measures and how this was managed.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.
You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Avon Lodge Care Home on our website at www.cqc.org.uk
We found the following examples of good practice.
Relatives told us, "I have always found the cleanliness and the hygiene at the home extremely good. The housekeepers are great in keeping it spotless and take pride in what they do", "The staff always have masks on" and "My experience over the years of Avon Lodge is that it is a warm, caring loving home and the staff are amazing".
There was a clear and safe process in place for visitors to the home and this was in line with current guidance. Visitors were asked to take a lateral flow test before attending the home and on arrival temperatures were taken. There was Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) available for their use and hand sanitisers. Arrangements were made to accommodate essential visitors, if anyone wanted to have one.
Staff wore masks at all times and had good supplies of PPE which they wore whilst delivering personal care.
The service undertook regular testing of people in the home and staff. If a person in the home tested positive, guidance was followed to isolate in their room. For staff needing to isolate, support was given for them to be able to do this.
The home was cleaned regularly and this was monitored through audits and checks. There were staff on duty during our inspection, carrying out cleaning duties.
The home had experienced some workforce pressures as a result of the pandemic, but this was being managed well. Regular agency staff were booked and recruitment to vacant posts was underway.
The inspection took place on 31 August and 1 September 2017 and was unannounced. We carried out this inspection because we had a number of concerns shared with us. These concerns came from health and social care professionals who had visited the home. These concerns were about the care and support people were receiving in relation to the Mental Capacity Act and best interests decisions.
Avon Lodge Care Home is a care home with nursing care for up to 62 predominately older people. People have general nursing care needs and some are living with dementia. At the time of our visit there were 61 people living at the home.
There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements of the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
People told us they felt safe living at the home. Staff were aware of what constituted abuse and the actions they should take if they suspected abuse.
Risks associated with people's care, daily routines and activities were identified with action taken to minimise these. Care plans addressed the support people required with personal care, maintaining their health and their activities of daily living.
People were provided with safe care by adequate numbers of appropriately skilled staff being made available.
Staff recruitment procedures were safe and the employment files contained all the relevant information to help ensure only the appropriate staff were employed to work at the home.
People received their medicines when they required them and in a safe manner. Staff received training and guidance to make sure they remained competent to handle people's medicines.
The home was meeting the requirements of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Staff had received appropriate training, and had a good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and the DoLS. Staff had the right skills and training to support people appropriately.
People told us they felt there were enough staff available on each shift. Staff felt well supported by the manager and received regular supervision sessions and appraisals.
People told us the staff were friendly and caring and they felt safe in their presence. We observed staff caring for people in a way that promoted their dignity in a respectful manner.
People told us they enjoyed the food in the home. They were offered a choice of meals which were appropriate for a balanced diet.
People had access to a range of healthcare professionals when they required specialist help. Care records showed advice had been sought from a range of health and social care professionals
People were actively encouraged to provide feedback. Complaints were investigated and action taken to address concerns when needed. People and their relatives told us they had no complaints.
The registered manager assessed and monitored the quality of the service provided for people. Systems were in place to check on the standards within the home. These included regular audits of care records, medicine management and health and safety.
This inspection was unannounced and took place on 23 and 24 November 2016.
There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
People received a service that was safe. Staff understood their role and responsibilities in keeping people safe from harm and knew how to raise any concerns. Risks were assessed and plans put in place to keep people safe. There was enough staff to safely provide care and support to people. Medicines were well managed and people received their medicines as prescribed. Infection control measures were in place.
Staff received regular training and the support needed to meet people’s needs. People were supported to make choices and decisions. People had enough to eat and drink. Arrangements were made for people to see their GP and other healthcare professionals when required. People’s healthcare needs were met and staff worked with health and social care professionals to access relevant services
People received a service that was caring. They were cared for and supported by staff who knew them well. Staff treated people with dignity and respect. People were supported to maintain relationships with family and friends. The service people received was based around their individual needs and preferences. People were encouraged to make their views known, with staff listening and making changes where required.
The service was well-led. The registered manager and senior staff were respected and demonstrated good leadership and management. They had an open, honest and transparent management style. The provider had systems in place to check on the quality of service people received and any shortfalls identified were acted upon. The vision and values of the service were effectively communicated to people, relatives and staff. The provider and management team had a plan for further developing and improving the service people received.