Autumn Lodge

Updated 10 June 2026

Date of assessment: 21 to 29 July 2026.

Autumn Lodge is a residential care home providing personal care and accommodation to up to 38 people. At the time of inspection, 32 people were living at the home. People had a wide range of physical and mental health needs, and most were living with dementia.

We carried out this assessment in response to information of concern received regarding the culture at the home, and due to the length of time since the previous inspection. We found no evidence to support the concerns about the culture at the home, and feedback from people, relatives and staff was consistently positive.

People received safe care within a home that demonstrated a strong person-centred culture. Staff knew people very well and worked closely with them and their families to ensure they were involved in decisions about their care, support and future planning. People were supported to maintain their independence, choice and control. There was an extensive schedule of meaningful activities which had a significantly positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing. People were supported to access healthcare services that promoted their outcomes and quality of life.

Effective systems were in place to assess people's needs, manage risks, safeguard people from harm and ensure continuity of care. Care plans were personalised and reflected people's individual preferences, life histories, cultural needs and changing circumstances. The service also promoted a positive learning culture, with incidents, accidents and concerns regularly reviewed to identify learning opportunities and support ongoing improvement.

The home benefited from visible, approachable and experienced leadership. Staff told us they felt valued, supported and confident to raise concerns when needed. Robust governance and oversight arrangements enabled leaders to monitor the quality and safety of the service effectively and respond promptly to emerging issues. Leaders demonstrated a clear commitment to continuous improvement through regular audits and partnership working with local networks and healthcare professionals.

Updated 10 June 2026

People and their relatives spoke positively about the home and the high standard of care provided. People consistently told us they felt safe and cared for by staff who knew them well and understood their individual needs, preferences and life histories. This was evident throughout our observations. There was a strong culture of trust throughout the home, with interactions characterised by warmth, kindness and respect.

People were supported to live meaningful and fulfilling lives, with care tailored to their personal wishes, goals and aspirations. They were encouraged and enabled to maintain their independence wherever possible and to make choices about how they lived their daily lives. Relatives told us they felt listened to, respected and actively involved in decisions relating to their loved one’s care and support. Staff took the time to understand people's views and ensured their voices were heard. One relative told us, “They know [person] so well. [Person] can be tricky at times, but staff have never given up on them.” Another relative said, “Other homes haven’t been able to support [person], but here it’s different. They seem to have got to know [person] on a different level.”

People's privacy, dignity and rights were consistently promoted. Staff treated people with kindness and respect, supporting them in a way that preserved their independence, individuality and sense of self. The service fostered a strong sense of community where people felt comfortable, relaxed and valued as members of a supportive environment.