Oakley Lodge

Oakley Lodge is a care home providing accommodation and personal care for up to 12 individuals with learning disabilities, autism, and associated health needs. This report details the findings of an unannounced inspection conducted by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on 6 and 7 February 2018. The inspection reviewed the service's performance against the CQC's five key questions: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-led. The overall findings of the inspection indicate that Oakley Lodge is performing well in these areas, with a focus on promoting independence, inclusion, and a high quality of life for its residents.

On safety, the home ensures residents are protected from harm through staff who understand how to maintain safety and support individuals to voice concerns. Risks are thoroughly assessed and managed to prevent avoidable harm, with staff trained in best practices for supporting behaviours that may challenge. Medicines are administered safely and as prescribed, and robust recruitment procedures ensure staff are suitable. Sufficient staffing levels are consistently maintained, and high standards of cleanliness and hygiene are upheld. Incidents are reviewed to identify trends and prevent recurrences.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents are supported by staff with the necessary skills and training, with additional training provided for complex individual needs. Residents receive balanced diets promoting healthy eating, and risks associated with complex needs are managed to ensure safe eating and drinking. The home ensures prompt referrals to healthcare professionals when residents' needs change, and staff understand their responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, involving residents in daily decisions in the least restrictive way possible.

The service is caring, with staff consistently treating residents with kindness and compassion. They show genuine concern for residents' wellbeing and respond to their needs promptly. The registered manager ensures staff have sufficient time to listen to residents, answer questions, provide information, and involve them in decisions. Staff consistently promote and respect residents' privacy, dignity, and independence.

The service is responsive to residents' needs, involving them and their families in developing detailed and personalised support plans. Residents are empowered to make choices and maintain control and independence. Complaints are thoroughly investigated, and learning from them is used for improvement. Residents are supported to maintain relationships with friends and family, mitigating the risks of social isolation.

The service is well-led by a registered manager who provides clear and inspiring leadership. The provider's values are embedded into daily practice, ensuring effective monitoring of care quality and prompt action on any identified shortfalls to drive continuous improvement. The registered manager effectively collaborates with key organisations and agencies to support care provision and ensure integrated care.