Lyndhurst Rest Home

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an overview of Lyndhurst Rest Home following an inspection in October 2019. The CQC assessed the service against five key questions to determine its quality and safety. This summary highlights the main findings from the inspection, aiming to give families a clear understanding of the home's performance. The inspection found that Lyndhurst Rest Home had made significant improvements since its last review, addressing previous concerns and demonstrating a commitment to providing good quality care.

On safety, the home has implemented robust recruitment processes, ensuring staff are thoroughly vetted before employment. Measures are in place to manage medications safely, including proper storage and accurate record-keeping, with protocols for 'as and when' prescriptions. Safeguarding is a priority, with staff well-trained to recognise and report concerns, and the home proactively liaising with external safeguarding authorities. Risks to residents' health and welfare are consistently assessed, with clear guidance provided to staff to mitigate these risks, and the home has a system for analysing accidents and incidents to prevent future occurrences.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents are assessed before moving in, ensuring their needs can be met, and this process considers cultural and religious requirements. Staff training is up-to-date and developed to meet evolving resident needs, covering essential topics like mental capacity and safeguarding, as well as specific health conditions. Residents are supported to eat and drink well, with choices offered and individual preferences accommodated, and they have access to healthcare professionals when needed. The home operates within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act, supporting residents to make their own decisions and conducting best interest discussions when necessary.

When it comes to caring, residents consistently reported positive experiences, describing staff as kind and caring, and feeling recognised as individuals. The home actively supports residents' different beliefs and encourages them to express their views. Staff respect residents' dignity and privacy, with protocols for knocking on doors and offering choices about privacy. Residents are encouraged and supported to maintain their independence, using equipment and moving around the home freely.

Regarding how responsive the service is, each resident has a personalised care plan developed with their involvement and that of their families, which details how to support them. These plans are reviewed regularly, and family members are kept informed and involved in discussions. The home has adapted its environment, particularly for residents living with dementia, incorporating elements like interactive walls and themed corridors to promote a calming and familiar atmosphere. Residents receive information in an understandable format, and their individual preferences and needs are clearly documented.

Finally, on how well-led the service is, there is an open and transparent culture where suggestions are acted upon, and complaints are recorded and investigated thoroughly. The home conducts quality checks and audits, taking action when shortfalls are identified. The registered manager stays informed about developments in social care to drive continuous improvement, and the home has successfully addressed regulatory breaches identified in previous inspections.