Buttercup Lodge

This report summarizes an inspection of EAM Lodge, a care home for young adults with learning disabilities and complex healthcare needs. The inspection focused on five key areas: safety, effectiveness, caring, responsiveness, and leadership. The overall findings indicate that the service has made significant improvements since the previous inspection, addressing all previous breaches and recommendations. The home is designed to promote independence and inclusion, and provides both short-term respite and long-term residential care.

On safety, the home has sufficient staff to meet residents' needs, with flexible staffing levels and skill mix. Accidents and incidents are thoroughly investigated, fostering a culture of learning and improvement. Medicines are managed safely, and robust risk assessments are in place for various health and safety concerns, including premises and equipment. While most areas were well-managed, some radiators were uncovered, and the stairwell access was unrestricted, which the provider has been asked to assess and address.

In terms of how effective the care is, staff receive comprehensive training, with regular checks on their competence. New in-house and accredited training packages have been implemented, covering essential topics like clinical observations and end-of-life care. Staff also receive regular supervisions, with a focus on consistent support and professional development. Care plans are detailed and regularly updated to reflect residents' changing needs.

Regarding the caring aspect, staff demonstrate kindness, respect, and have developed close relationships with residents. They understand individual needs and preferences, ensuring person-centred care. Residents appear relaxed and comfortable, and staff communicate effectively with both residents and their families.

As for responsiveness, the service ensures care plans are detailed and personalized, including residents' likes and dislikes. Feedback from residents and their representatives is actively sought and acted upon, leading to service improvements. A variety of activities are offered to meet individual interests, and residents are supported to engage with the local community.

Finally, concerning leadership, the service operates with an open and honest culture, encouraging learning from any incidents or feedback. Systems are in place for monitoring quality and safety, and the provider has demonstrated a commitment to implementing improvements based on advice from various bodies, including the CQC. The registered manager shows enthusiasm for providing high-quality, person-centred care. A minor point for improvement noted in this area relates to consent forms, where in some instances, there was no evidence of the signatory having the authority to consent on behalf of the resident.