What the CQC found at Cavendish Lodge

People described care that improved their wellbeing and helped them work towards recovery goals. They were supported to make choices and live with few restrictions.

“People told us they received care that met their needs and spoke of the positive impact living at Cavendish Lodge had on their well-being.” from the report

Care plans reflected people's needs and preferences. People could go out, maintain family and friendship links, and pursue hobbies and activities.

“People were supported to engage in activities and hobbies of interest to them and maintain their links with families and friends.” from the report

People said they felt safe. Staff understood signs of possible abuse and knew how to report concerns.

“People were kept safe from avoidable harm because staff understood how to protect them from abuse.” from the report

Staff adapted information for people's communication needs and arranged advocacy where needed.

“Where a need was identified, staff arranged for advocacy services to ensure people's voices were heard.” from the report

People and staff said the manager listened and responded to requests. Staff said they could raise concerns and discuss training needs.

“People and staff told us the registered manager was always available, took time to listen to them and was responsive to any requests.” from the report

The home could not always show that medicines were given as prescribed. Stock balances were incomplete and handwritten entries were not always checked properly.

“We could not be assured people received their medicines as prescribed because the systems to support safe medicines practices were ineffective.” from the report

The required daily check of medicine administration records had not been completed on the weekend before the inspection. One person consequently missed medicine on two occasions.

“This meant one person had not received their medicine on two separate occasions.” from the report

Only two permanent care staff were employed at the inspection. The high use of temporary agency staff affected consistency in following some procedures.

“The provider had experienced difficulties recruiting and retaining staff and as a result, staffing numbers were maintained by using temporary staff supplied through an agency.” from the report

Some risk management plans did not give enough detail to ensure staff would respond consistently when a particular risk arose.

“We found some risk management plans would benefit from more detailed information to ensure staff responded consistently if a particular risk presented itself.” from the report

Some parts of the home were worn and difficult to clean. The provider also needed to ensure all waste bins had foot-pedal lids.

“However, some areas of the home were worn and therefore difficult to clean and the provider needed to ensure all waste bins had lids operated by a foot pedal.” from the report