Werneth Lodge Care Home

Werneth Lodge Care Home has undergone an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) with a focus on safety and leadership. This report summarizes the findings from an unannounced visit on April 20, 2018. The inspection was brought forward due to concerns about a specific incident, which is currently under investigation. While not all aspects of the care home were reviewed in depth during this focused inspection, the findings indicate that the service continues to operate at a good standard, with particular attention paid to ensuring residents feel safe and that the home is well-managed. Previous recommendations from the December 2017 inspection regarding building security, risk management, and care planning have been addressed, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.

Regarding safety, residents reported feeling secure within the home, and security measures have been enhanced with new keypads and updated codes for entry and exit. Emergency exits are clearly marked and alarmed, and where necessary, access codes are not provided to individuals who may be at risk if leaving unaccompanied, with arrangements for supervised outings available. The home has also installed CCTV to monitor entrances and exits, providing an additional layer of security. Risk assessments for various needs, such as falls, malnutrition, and mobility, are detailed, regularly reviewed, and updated, with clear action plans to support residents. Comprehensive pre-assessment tools are used to ensure the home can meet individual needs before admission.

In terms of how effective the care is, detailed assessments of individual needs are conducted before residents move in, ensuring the home can accommodate them comfortably and meet their requirements. Initial care plans are developed based on this assessment information, as well as details from commissioners and relatives, and are reviewed monthly to ensure they remain current and provide staff with adequate guidance.

When considering caring practices, the report indicates that residents feel safe and looked after. The inspectors observed staff providing regular supervision and checking on residents to ensure their well-being, contributing to a positive and supportive environment.

In terms of responsiveness, the home ensures that residents who wish to go out independently are issued with pass codes, allowing them freedom of movement. Staff maintain a log of residents who are out to ensure their safe return, and this information is passed on during shift changes. Risk assessments for independent outings are in place, discussing potential hazards with residents and obtaining their understanding and agreement.

Concerning the well-led aspect of the service, Werneth Lodge benefits from a stable and knowledgeable registered manager who has been in post since April 2016. The manager is aware of their responsibilities to report significant events to the CQC in a timely manner. The home fosters a culture of enablement, balancing potential risks with residents' rights to make informed choices to promote independence. Systems are in place for regular monitoring and analysis of the service, including audits of staff files, care plans, and training records, with identified areas for improvement being actioned and monitored. Learning from past incidents has led to improvements in safety and risk management.