Kings Lodge Care Centre

Kings Lodge Care Centre underwent a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to evaluate the quality of care provided. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the findings across five key areas, offering families insights into the home's performance and resident experiences. The inspection focused on ensuring that residents receive safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led support.

Regarding safety, residents reported feeling secure and well-looked after by staff. Risk assessments were thoroughly conducted and regularly reviewed to manage potential hazards, and medicines were handled with care to ensure residents received them as prescribed. Infection control measures were robust, ensuring a safe environment for both residents and visitors. While the recruitment process was effective in ensuring suitable staff were employed, some residents experienced communication difficulties with staff whose English was limited. The home is actively implementing measures to support these staff members in improving their language skills.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents expressed satisfaction with the food, noting good choices and an ability to have their preferences met. Staff received necessary training to perform their roles, and the home is addressing a previous issue of inconsistent supervision by ensuring it occurs regularly moving forward. Residents were supported in accessing necessary healthcare services, with staff working effectively with external professionals to maintain their well-being.

On the aspect of caring, staff were noted for their kindness and respectful approach towards residents, always maintaining their dignity. Residents also reported enjoying the activities offered. While opportunities for in-room activities were limited, the management team has plans to address this. Residents' feedback was actively sought and acted upon, fostering a comfortable environment for them to voice concerns or complaints.

When considering how responsive the home is, residents' needs were assessed prior to admission to ensure appropriate care could be provided. The home's physical environment was well-suited for individuals with mobility issues and dementia. Systems were in place to ensure residents had choice and control over their lives, with staff providing support in the least restrictive manner possible. The manager had identified the need to update some mental capacity assessments to ensure they accurately reflected specific decisions.

Finally, in terms of how well-led the service is, the report indicates positive changes have been implemented since the previous inspection. The manager, in post since September 2022, has overseen improvements, including better communication with families and increased family involvement in care planning. There has been a noticeable improvement in staff morale, positively impacting residents. Feedback from residents and families was taken seriously and acted upon, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.