Downham Lodge

We found the following examples of good practice.

The manager had followed current guidance in relation to infection prevention and control. The home was open to visitors.

The manager had risk assessments associated with COVID-19 which included information on their health. Staff had risk assessments in place specific to their needs.

The manager and staff spoke regularly to people living in the home and where relevant their families. They also had effective relationships with other professionals such as GP surgeries for the benefit of people living in the home.

The home was clean and tidy, staff followed cleaning rotas. Care staff were documenting cleaning being carried out within the home and this was checked daily by the management team to ensure it was carried out effectively. All staff ensured regular disinfection of frequently touched surfaces of the home for example, light switches and door handles.

Robust measures in line with government guidance were in place for visitors who had easy access to hand gel throughout the home. Disposal of waste was managed effectively to ensure it was kept safe and disposed of after 72 hours.

The home was very well stocked with PPE supplies. This was located at designated points throughout the home to ensure staff had access to required PPE. We observed staff wearing PPE appropriately.

The deputy manager told us how staff had worked hard to support people's wellbeing during the pandemic by providing in-house activities and spent time with people to help ensure they did not feel isolated. The provider and manager supported staff with their well-being during the pandemic, staff were offered regular supervision.

There was a robust infection control policy and contingency plan in place that had been updated as guidance had changed.

A registered manager was in place. 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.

Downham Lodge has eight ensuite rooms and offers support for people between the ages of 16 and 65 who need support with their mental well-being. There were seven people living at the service.

People told us they were happy with the care and support they received and they could approach all staff about any concerns they may have.

The service was safe and there were appropriate safeguards in place to help protect the people who lived there. People were able to make choices about the way in which they were cared for and staff listened to them and knew their needs well. Staff had the training and support they needed.

There were enough staff to support people. Recruitment was safe and relevant checks had been completed before staff worked at the home.

People’s medicines were managed appropriately so they received them safely

Staff demonstrated a good knowledge of people’s care needs. Staff understood the provider’s safeguarding procedures and could explain how they would protect people if they had any concerns.

Arrangements were made for people to see their GP and other healthcare professionals when required. People’s healthcare needs were met and the registered manager and provider worked with health and social care professionals to access relevant services. The service was compliant with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).

People participated in a range of different social activities and were supported to access the local community. They also participated in shopping for the home and their own needs. People were encouraged to budget for their meals and were given a weekly allowance.

Staff told us they enjoyed working in the home and spoke positively about the culture and management of the service. Staff told us that they were encouraged to openly discuss any issues and had been supported with promotion training opportunities within the service.

Staff confirmed they were able to raise issues and make suggestions about the way the service was provided. The registered manager and deputy manager provided good leadership and people using the service and staff told us the registered manager promoted high standards of care.

Relatives of people living at the home and other professionals were happy with the service. There was evidence that staff and managers at the home had been involved in reviewing and monitoring the quality of the service to drive improvement.