Chestnut Lodge Care Home

This inspection report for Chestnut Lodge Care Home by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an overview of the service's performance across several key areas. The visit, conducted on 07 March 2023, aimed to assess the safety, effectiveness, caring approach, responsiveness, and leadership of the home. While the overall experience for residents and their families is generally positive, the report highlights specific areas for improvement to enhance the quality of care provided.

On safety, the report indicates that risk assessments for residents were not always robust enough to provide staff with the necessary information, and some were not up to date with current needs. There were also instances where it was unclear if "when required" medicines (PRN) had been effective, with a lack of appropriate recording to identify their impact. Lessons were not always consistently learned from incidents, as patterns and trends in falls were not always analysed to prevent future occurrences. However, staff were recruited safely, and residents and relatives reported feeling safe. Infection control procedures were followed diligently, contributing to a clean environment.

In terms of how effective the care is, the service consistently achieved good outcomes for residents. Care plans were person-centred, incorporating individual preferences and needs. Staff received comprehensive training and support, including regular supervisions and team meetings. Residents and their families expressed satisfaction with the food choices and quality. The home was well-designed, with adaptations made to support residents with dementia, and staff worked collaboratively with external health and social care professionals to ensure consistent and timely care.

The service demonstrated a strong and positive culture, with staff appearing to know residents well and empowering them to make decisions. The management team was approachable and supportive, fostering an environment where staff felt comfortable raising concerns. Residents and their families felt heard and involved in the service.

Regarding responsiveness, management was quick to address concerns raised during the inspection, taking immediate action to rectify identified shortfalls. Changes were made to the call bell system following feedback about noise levels. Residents and relatives were actively encouraged to provide feedback through questionnaires and meetings, which directly informed necessary changes to improve the service.

Finally, in terms of being well-led, the registered manager demonstrated a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. The service maintained transparency and followed regulations, including the duty of candour when incidents occurred. Quality assurance audits were conducted, and improvements were implemented to ensure effective oversight. The leadership team actively sought and acted upon feedback to drive positive changes within the home.