Marple Lodge Care Home

This inspection report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an overview of Marple Lodge Care Home. The inspection assessed five key areas of care: safety, effectiveness, caring, responsiveness, and leadership. The report aims to give families an insight into the quality of care provided, highlighting the home's strengths and areas for continued development.

On safety, the home is performing well. Staff are knowledgeable about safeguarding, risks are managed effectively, and care records offer clear guidance. Robust recruitment processes are in place, and medicines are handled safely. The home also demonstrated strong infection prevention and control measures, adhering to current guidelines for visitor safety and COVID-19 protocols.

In terms of how effective the care is, Marple Lodge excels. Needs are thoroughly assessed before admission, ensuring residents' preferences and choices are central to their care plans. The food is enjoyed, with a recently updated menu offering more variety. Staff receive good training and support, and residents have access to necessary healthcare professionals. The environment is pleasant, with well-maintained gardens and opportunities for residents to personalise their space.

Regarding caring practices, residents feel well-treated and respected. Staff are described as kind, patient, and compassionate, knowing residents' individual personalities and histories. Care plans reflect this understanding, promoting diversity and equality. Residents are involved in their care, and their views are respected, with personal information handled securely.

The service has improved in its responsiveness. Care plans are personalised and regularly reviewed to match residents' current needs and choices. Complaints are handled appropriately, and residents' communication needs are met through various methods and aids. The home supports residents to maintain relationships and encourages participation in activities that align with their interests, including thoughtful end-of-life care planning.

However, the service's leadership requires improvement. While the assistant manager and management team are passionate and committed to the home, the absence of a registered manager and the assistant manager not yet being registered at the home have impacted this rating. Despite this, a management structure is in place, and staff feel valued and supported, with a positive and improving culture. The provider is working on updating audit processes to further measure and review care delivery.