During an assessment under our new approach
The assessment began on 22 May 2025 and concluded on the 26 June 2025. Lakeside Residential Care Home provides accommodation and support for up to 38 people. At the time of our assessment there were 31 people living at the home.
The assessment was prompted in part due to information of concern received in relation to the safe care and treatment of people and the management of the service. This assessment examined those concerns. We looked at all 34 quality statements across the 5 key questions.
The manager had been in post since June 2024 and registered with CQC in March 2025. However, following our visit to the home, we were told a further management change was to be made. Management audits and checks had not been fully implemented and embedded to help identify and drive improvement. During our assessment we were told there had been some turnover in staff and morale was low. Some staff spoken with did not feel supported and thought communication could be improved.
A review of training, development and support of staff showed meaningful opportunities for staff to discuss their work were not routinely provided. Staff meetings were inconsistent and did not evidence discussion with staff. Whilst there was a programme of training in place, completion was low. Recruitment processes had been improved.
The registered manager told us staffing levels were determined using a dependency tool. It was unclear how staffing levels had been calculated as the dependency tool did not consider peoples individual needs or their social and emotional well-being. Our observations of staff showed care was task focused and at times staff were not visible in communal areas. Following our visit, we received further information raising similar concerns to our findings.
Further work was required to ensure environmental and personal risks to people were effectively monitored and managed. Accurate records were not maintained in relation to people’s care and support and the management and administration of people’s prescribed medicines.
The home was clean and tidy. Relevant servicing and checks of the home and equipment had been completed, and some redecoration of rooms had been carried out to enhance the accommodation provided.