We carried out a review of the data available to us about Freckleton 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 Freckleton Lodge, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
People living at Freckleton Lodge and staff were tested regularly for COVID-19, in line with government guidance. The service followed guidance for isolation when positive results were confirmed. Staff had received a full course of vaccinations in line with requirements.
The service was clean and maintained. Domestic staff were employed to ensure levels of cleanliness and hygiene remained high. Domestic staff told us they had enough time and all the equipment they needed to carry out their role effectively. Staff followed written schedules for cleaning each area of the home. Completion of cleaning was monitored by the registered manager.
Staff had received training around COVID-19 and how to work safely in a care home environment during the pandemic. We observed staff used personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriately. The service had ample stocks of PPE.
The provider’s infection control policy and procedures helped to ensure the service adopted best practice which followed current guidance. The provider used audits to monitor compliance with their policies.
The service facilitated safe visiting in line with current guidance. The service also supported people to maintain contact with their loved ones via telephone and video calls. This helped to aid people’s emotional and psychological wellbeing.
Freckleton Lodge is a care home providing personal care to 28 older people at the time of our inspection. The service can support up to 28 older and younger adults who may be living with dementia. Bedrooms are of single occupancy with ensuite facilities, with various communal spaces for people’s comfort.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
The registered manager and staff had an exceptional understanding of supporting people safely during the current pandemic. A staff member said, “We’re so clued up. It’s become second nature now, which keeps us all safe.” Staff demonstrated a good awareness of protecting people from harm or abuse. They were patient and responded to people’s needs quickly. Staff followed correct procedures to ensure people received their medicines safely and as prescribed
The Management team provided multiple opportunities to assist people, visitors and staff to feed back their experiences of living and working at the home. They had extensive auditing systems to maintain ongoing oversight of the home. Staff said they worked well as a team and people commented the home was well managed.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection and update
The last rating for this service was good (published 05 September 2019).
Why we inspected
We wanted to assure ourselves the service remained safe since our last inspection and continued to be led well under the newly registered manager.
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to coronavirus and other infection outbreaks effectively.
We reviewed the information we held about the service. No areas of concern were identified in the other key questions. We therefore did not inspect them. Ratings from previous comprehensive inspections for those key questions were used in calculating the overall rating at this inspection.
We found no evidence during this inspection that people were at risk of harm from this concern. Please see the safe and well-led sections of this full report.
You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Freckleton Lodge on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.
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.
Freckleton Lodge care home is a large detached building in its own grounds. The home provides care and accommodation for up to 28 older people living with dementia. Bedrooms are of single occupancy with en-suite facilities. Freckleton Lodge is close to public transport links and car parking space is available at the home. There are gardens and a patio area around the home. At the time of the inspection 21 people lived in the home.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People were safe and protected from abuse because staff assessed and managed risk. There were enough staff to meet people’s care and support needs. Staff were recruited safely. People received their medicines as they needed. The home was clean and maintained and staff practised good infection control.
People were able to see healthcare professionals to assist their health and wellbeing. Staff supported people to eat healthy nutritious food and to drink sufficient fluids and were familiar with people’s dietary needs. People told us the meals were excellent. The design of the home met people's needs. There were dementia friendly signs and equipment to help people living with dementia around the home. People were helped to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Staff assessed people's capacity to make decisions and supported them with decision making. Staff had been appropriately trained and supported and had the skills, knowledge and experience to provide good care.
Staff provided care that met people’s diverse needs and preferences. People said they received good care and were treated with consideration and respect. They were involved in planning their care and making decisions.
Staff communicated with people effectively and had the skills to support people who had difficulties with communication. People had a range of activities to choose from, in house and in the local community. Staff encouraged people to talk about anything they were not satisfied with. People felt concerns were dealt with effectively. Staff were able to support people when at the end of life, to have a comfortable, pain free and peaceful end.
People said they were asked for their views and ideas. They told us staff listened to these and they helped plan their care or changes in the service. Staff supported people to stay involved with village activities and remain part of the community. They worked in partnership with other services and organisations to make sure they followed good practice and people in their care were safe. The registered manager used a variety of methods to check the quality of the service and develop good practice. They understood and acted on legal obligations, including conditions of CQC registration and those of other organisations.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was good (published 4 February 2017). Since this rating was awarded the registered provider of the service has changed. This service was registered with a new provider on 26/04/2019 and this is the first inspection with this provider. We have used the 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.
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.