Wantsum Lodge

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an overview of Wantsum Lodge, a residential care home for individuals aged 65 and over, following an inspection in February 2019. The inspection aimed to assess the overall quality and safety of the care provided. The report details the findings across five key areas: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-Led, offering insights into how the home supports its residents and how it is managed. The document is intended to help families understand the service's performance and make informed decisions.

Regarding safety, residents felt secure and protected from harm, with robust systems in place to prevent abuse and manage risks effectively. Staff training is kept up-to-date, and the home maintains cleanliness to prevent the spread of infection. Medicines are managed and stored safely, and when incidents occur, lessons are learned.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents consistently experienced good outcomes, with their needs and choices being thoroughly assessed and respected. Staff are knowledgeable and well-trained, and the home works collaboratively with health professionals to ensure timely and appropriate support, including specialist training for specific health conditions. The service also ensures people have choices in their meals and are supported to eat well.

On the aspect of caring, residents were treated with kindness, compassion, dignity, and respect. Staff were knowledgeable about residents' individual needs and preferences, fostering good relationships. Residents were encouraged to maintain their independence, and their privacy was consistently upheld, with staff being mindful of dignity during personal care.

As for how responsive the service is, care plans are personalised and regularly reviewed with resident input. Residents and their families know how to raise concerns or complaints, and these are taken seriously and addressed appropriately. The service actively seeks feedback and has a clear process for handling complaints, ensuring continuous improvement.

Finally, concerning how well-led the service is, Wantsum Lodge demonstrated consistent and effective management. The deputy manager is in the process of becoming the registered manager, and the leadership fosters a culture of high-quality, person-centred care. There is a clear commitment to transparency, learning, and continuous improvement, with regular audits and checks in place. The service also actively engages with residents, staff, and external agencies to ensure comprehensive support.