Lakelands Residential Care Home

Lakelands Residential Care Home is a well-regarded facility that was inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in June 2018. This report summarises the findings from an unannounced visit, offering families a clear overview of the home's performance across key areas. The inspection followed a company restructure and re-registration of the home, making this its first CQC assessment under the new arrangements. The aim of this summary is to provide concise, easy-to-understand information about the home's strengths and areas of focus, helping families make informed choices about care.

On safety, residents and visitors felt the home was a secure environment, with robust safeguarding policies and thorough staff training in place. Safe recruitment practices were strictly followed, and comprehensive risk assessments were conducted for both individuals and the premises, ensuring potential hazards were identified and managed effectively.

In terms of how effective the care is, staff received appropriate training and were described as knowledgeable and skilled. The home effectively managed residents' nutritional needs and made timely health referrals when necessary. Residents were supported to make their own decisions, with clear processes in place for consent and adherence to the Mental Capacity Act.

Regarding caring practices, staff interactions were consistently kind, respectful, and friendly, with a strong emphasis on person-centred care. Residents' privacy and dignity were paramount, and staff actively promoted individuality and personal preferences in daily routines and care planning.

In terms of how responsive the service is, residents felt their voices were heard and that their care plans accurately reflected their individual needs and preferences. The home had clear procedures for handling complaints, and residents expressed confidence that any concerns would be addressed appropriately.

Finally, on how well-led the service is, the home was managed by a registered manager who was visible and approachable to residents and staff. Audits were used effectively to monitor service quality, and action plans were developed to address any identified issues. This leadership approach fostered a positive and supportive environment.