Winston Lodge

This inspection report for Winston Lodge, a residential care home for 11 individuals with learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorders, confirms that the service continues to provide a high standard of care. The report highlights areas of strength across all five key inspection questions, indicating that residents' needs are consistently met in a safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-managed environment. The home maintains a commitment to person-centred care, ensuring residents are supported with dignity and respect.

On safety, the home has robust systems in place to protect residents from abuse and neglect, with staff well-trained in safeguarding procedures and safe recruitment processes followed diligently. While residents generally felt safe, a specific safety concern regarding the height of a balcony rail was identified and promptly addressed by the management, with immediate actions taken to rectify the situation and prevent future risks.

In terms of how effective the care is, staff possess the necessary knowledge and skills, supported by comprehensive training and regular supervision, to meet residents' diverse needs. Care plans are detailed and regularly updated, reflecting individual preferences and ensuring residents have access to necessary healthcare services and are involved in decisions about their food and daily routines, promoting independence.

Regarding how caring the service is, staff demonstrate genuine compassion and a deep understanding of residents' needs and preferences. Residents and their relatives consistently describe the staff as supportive and attentive, with a strong focus on treating individuals with respect and enhancing their quality of life through person-centred care plans.

In terms of being responsive, the service actively involves residents in decisions about their care and living environment, ensuring their choices and preferences are respected. Feedback from residents, relatives, and staff is encouraged and used to drive continuous improvement, with clear policies in place to address any complaints fairly.

Finally, concerning how well-led the service is, there is an open culture of communication and learning, with regular quality assurance audits in place to identify areas for development. The registered manager is proactive in addressing concerns, and there are established procedures for handling emergencies and ensuring the premises are well-maintained and safe.