What the CQC found at Acacia Lodge Care Home

Inspectors found that medicines were prescribed, given, recorded and stored safely. Records included important information such as allergies, dosage and timing.

“Medicines were safely managed. People received the medicines they needed in a consistent and safe way.” from the report

Systems helped protect people from abuse. Staff knew how to report concerns and the home worked with outside agencies when needed.

“People were safeguarded from the risk of abuse. Systems in place showed appropriate actions were taken to keep people safe.” from the report

The home was clean, well maintained and suitable for people's needs. Infection control arrangements were generally followed, although some training was out of date.

“People lived in an environment that was accessible and suitable for their needs. The home was clean, well-maintained and had a homely feel.” from the report

People had care plans that recorded their health conditions and could access health professionals when needed.

“People had access to health professionals as required. If staff were concerned about a person's health and wellbeing, they would relay these concerns to the shift leader for escalation and action.” from the report

Although the overall care was not consistently caring, inspectors saw some kind and supportive interactions. People and relatives also spoke positively about the kindness of some staff.

“People and relatives were positive about the kindness of individual staff. We also observed kind, encouraging and supportive conversations with people.” from the report

A person was supported to eat while lying horizontally, despite their care plan saying they needed to be positioned at a 45 degree angle. An inspector had to intervene.

“We observed staff attempting to support a person to eat in a horizontal position. The person was distressed.” from the report

Many staff had not completed required training, including dementia care, infection control, pressure care and safeguarding. Agency staff were not always familiar with people or the home's procedures.

“The provider could not be assured staff were trained and competent to meet people's needs.” from the report

Inspectors saw rushed, task-led care. People were sometimes supported to eat in silence, with little explanation or encouragement, and some people lacked opportunities to maintain their independence.

“Observations showed people received care that was rushed, and task based.” from the report

There was no activities coordinator in post during the inspection. Records showed some people had only one recorded activity in four weeks and others had none.

“People did not always have the opportunity to take part in activities and access the local community.” from the report

Audits had identified concerns, but action was not taken quickly enough. Shift leaders did not always know key information about people or emergency procedures.

“Audits were not effective in driving service improvement.” from the report

People's end of life wishes and preferences had not been recorded in care plans. Training in this area was also incomplete.

“People had not developed their end of life care plans to record their wishes and preferences.” from the report