Brendon Lodge

Brendon Lodge is a residential care home that supports nine individuals with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, or autism. The service is designed to promote independence, choice, and inclusion, helping residents live as ordinary a life as possible.

On safety, the home ensures residents are protected from abuse and avoidable harm, with robust policies, risk assessments, and appropriate staffing levels. Environmental safety and equipment maintenance are regularly checked, and there are plans in place for emergencies. While medication administration and infection control systems are safe and effective, there is a recommendation to improve the recording and sharing of lessons learned from accidents and incidents.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents' outcomes consistently reflect good quality of life. Care plans are comprehensive and person-centred, with staff receiving thorough training and regular supervision. The service supports residents to maintain a healthy diet and has adapted its environment and uses assistive technology to meet individual needs. The team works well with healthcare professionals, and staff are knowledgeable about the Mental Capacity Act to ensure resident autonomy.

The service is caring, with staff demonstrating compassion, kindness, and respect in their interactions. Residents feel valued and are involved in decisions about their care, with their communication needs well understood and supported. Independence is actively promoted, and residents' privacy is consistently respected.

Regarding how responsive the service is, residents' care plans are adapted to meet their individual needs and preferences, including their cultural backgrounds. The service actively encourages residents to participate in a range of activities that match their choices and interests. Staff are proactive in understanding residents' needs and working to meet them, ensuring they are able to express their views and be involved in decision-making processes.

In terms of leadership, the home is well-led, with a positive and open culture. Staff and relatives speak highly of the registered manager, and the provider conducts regular audits to ensure service effectiveness. The service culture promotes independence, and staff are supported to integrate residents into the local community.