We carried out a review of the data available to us about Argentum Lodge 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 Argentum Lodge, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
• Clear external signage directed people to the reception area or to the visitor suite. Staff greeted visitors at the entrance to the home. Personal protective equipment (PPE) was provided and staff were available to show visitors how to use it.
• Visitors were asked to read and sign a health declaration and have their temperature checked on arrival. A facial recognition thermal camera had been installed in the reception area. This meant people could independently check their temperature, eliminating the need for staff to undertake this procedure.
• People were supported to stay in contact with loved ones. Structured and planned visits were facilitated. A visitors suite had been created. A bedroom with direct access onto the garden had been fitted with a permanent see-through screen that divided the room in half. A microphone had been installed to support effective communication between the two separated areas.
• People have been cared for by a small and consistent group of staff. Staff were allocated to specific areas of the home, and, since the onset of the pandemic, no agency staff have been required. There had been no confirmed or suspected cases of people having contracted COVID-19, at the time of this review.
• Argentum Lodge had clear contingency plans in place. There was regular communication from the directors and the registered manager, to staff and to relatives. The home was clean and people looked well cared for. Staff were appreciated for the commitment and dedication they had shown and received personalised letters from the directors. One letter included, ''Please accept our sincerest gratitude for continuing to come into work each day... and for going the extra mile in these incredibly challenging times. We really cannot thank you enough for putting our residents first and making sure they have the care they need and deserve'.
The accommodation was arranged over three floors. People were placed on each floor, according to the stage of dementia they were experiencing. People with early stage dementia were on the ground floor and those with advanced dementia on the top floor.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People experienced good care. People and relatives were happy with the care they received and told us they felt involved in their care and support. We observed a pleasant and calm atmosphere in the home throughout the day. Staff were respectful and kind in their interactions.
People told us they felt safe. They were protected from the risk of abuse because staff were trained in safeguarding adults and felt confident about reporting concerns. Risk assessments were in place to guide staff in providing safe support. People received safe support with their medicines.
The culture of the home was person centred and care was planned to meet individual needs and preferences. Activities took place, which included links to the local community. This was of great benefit to people in the home. People may benefit from having access to more ‘ad hoc’ activities suited to people with dementia, such as rummage bags. People were able to report and make complaints if they needed to.
Staff were well trained and supported, and reported feeling happy working in the home. People were supported nutritionally. Staff were knowledgeable about people’s dietary needs and preferences. Staff worked with healthcare professionals to ensure people’s needs were met.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
The last rating for this service was requires improvement (published January 2018). Since this rating was awarded the provider has altered its legal entity. We have used our previous rating to inform our planning and decisions about the rating at this inspection.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating and date the service became registered under the current legal entity.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.