Lodge Care Home

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an overview of Lodge Care Home following an inspection on November 7th and 8th, 2018. The inspection aimed to assess the quality and safety of the care provided, covering key areas including safety, effectiveness, caring practices, responsiveness, and leadership. Feedback from residents and their relatives was a significant part of the assessment, offering valuable insights into the daily experience of those living at the home.

Regarding safety, inspectors noted that while robust procedures were in place for medicine management and staff safeguarding, there were some areas requiring improvement. Specifically, guidance for staff regarding the care of individuals with indwelling catheters and a history of skin cancer needed to be strengthened to mitigate potential risks.

In terms of how effective the care is, the home demonstrated strong team working and personalized support. Staff received regular training and supervision, ensuring their skills remained up-to-date. However, it was recommended that additional training be provided to better support residents with specific conditions like Parkinson's or sight and hearing impairments, and that access to regular dental and eye checks should be improved.

The service was found to be caring, with residents and relatives consistently praising the staff for their kindness, respect, and compassionate approach. Staff focused on enabling residents to maintain their independence while always respecting their privacy and dignity.

When it comes to responsiveness, the home showed a good understanding of individual preferences in care planning and provided a range of meaningful activities. Feedback and complaints were handled in a timely and effective manner, with residents feeling heard and their concerns addressed.

Finally, on how well-led the service is, there was a clear commitment to continuous improvement and a positive, transparent culture. The management team demonstrated strong oversight and had a clear vision for the future, supported by high staff morale and effective quality assurance processes.