CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Elm Lodge
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
What inspectors found, April 2021
Inspected but not rated; Elm Lodge had good infection control arrangements and inspectors were assured about safety measures.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 30 March 2021. It checked infection prevention and control because of COVID-19 risks in care homes.
Inspectors found that visitors were screened, PPE was available and used, and people and staff were regularly tested. Social distancing was supported, and the home was clean and tidy.
People were supported to keep in touch with family and friends through visits, phone calls and video calls. The inspection did not give a new overall rating or a rated score for safety.
Infection control
Inspectors were assured that the home had measures to prevent and manage infections, including an up-to-date policy.
“We were assured that the provider's infection prevention and control policy was up to date.” from the report
PPE and testing
Staff had access to PPE and had received infection control and COVID-19 training. Regular testing was taking place for people and staff.
“Staff had access to PPE. They had received infection control and specific Covid-19 training” from the report
Keeping families connected
People were supported to have visits where possible and to stay in contact through phone and video calls.
“Throughout the pandemic people had been supported to keep in touch through the use of phone and video calls” from the report
Clean environment
The home was described as clean and tidy, with regular cleaning of frequently touched areas.
“The home was clean and tidy. There was a cleaning schedule and this included regular cleaning of high touch points” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How often are people and staff tested now, and what happens if someone has a positive result?
- 02How do you make sure staff put on and take off PPE safely?
- 03How are visits with relatives currently arranged, including visits for people receiving end-of-life care?
- 04How often are high-touch areas such as door handles and light switches cleaned?
- 05What arrangements are in place to manage an infection outbreak?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control practices only; it was inspected but not rated and did not assess the other areas of care. This explanation was written from the published report of 21 April 2021 by an AI system and checked against the report text: every quoted line appears in the report. It is a guide to the report, not a substitute for it. Read the full report on cqc.org.uk.
What inspectors found, October 2019
Elm Lodge was rated Good overall; inspectors found kind, safe and personalised care, with some records needing improvement.
This was an unannounced comprehensive inspection on 19 September 2019. One inspector observed care, spoke with people, relatives and staff, and checked care plans, medicines, recruitment files and quality records.
All five areas were rated Good: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. Inspectors found enough staff, safe medicines practices, suitable training and good links with health professionals.
People and relatives described staff as kind, caring and approachable. Staff knew people's needs, preferences and backgrounds, and supported people to make choices and stay involved in their care.
There were some shortfalls in recording best-interest decisions. Inspectors also found some curtains and a wheelchair needed cleaning, but the home acted immediately when this was raised.
Kind and respectful staff
People and relatives spoke highly of staff. Inspectors observed caring relationships and support that respected dignity and personal choices.
“There was a very caring and friendly atmosphere in the home between staff and people using the service.” from the report
Personalised care
Staff knew people's histories, preferences and communication needs. They adapted their approach and involved people and relatives in decisions where appropriate.
“There was a person-centred approach to planning and delivering care which was specific to each person's needs and preferences.” from the report
Safe medicines and staffing
Inspectors found effective medicines systems, trained staff and enough staff on duty to meet people's needs.
“There were effective systems to ensure medicines were ordered, stored, administered and monitored safely.” from the report
Good partnership working
The home worked with GPs, nurses, mental health teams and other professionals to support people's health and wellbeing.
“Staff at Elm Lodge worked in partnership with other services and organisations such as occupational therapists, health professionals and GPs to access help and support when needed.” from the report
Best-interest records
needs fixingBest-interest meetings and decisions had not always been documented. The manager had identified this and sought support from the local authority.
“However, best interest meetings and decisions had not always been documented.” from the report
Cleaning shortfall
minorInspectors found curtains and a wheelchair in the main lounge that needed cleaning. The manager acted immediately and said staff would be reminded to report such issues.
“During the inspection we identified curtains and a wheelchair in the main lounge which needed to be cleaned.” from the report
- 01How do you record mental capacity assessments and best-interest decisions for people who cannot make particular decisions themselves?
- 02What checks make sure curtains, wheelchairs and other soft furnishings or equipment are cleaned promptly?
- 03How are care plans kept specific for health needs such as diabetes?
- 04How often are medicines audits and staff competency checks completed?
- 05How will you involve our family member and us in care reviews and decisions about activities and daily routines?
This was an unannounced comprehensive inspection covering all five CQC questions, including the premises and the care provided. This explanation was written from the published report of 9 October 2019 by an AI system and checked against the report text: every quoted line appears in the report. It is a guide to the report, not a substitute for it. Read the full report on cqc.org.uk.
Every inspection of Elm Lodge
2 rated inspections over 3 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- April 2021Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- October 2019Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- February 2017GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- January 2014
Report published without a new overall rating.
- September 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- December 2010
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 13 December 2010.
Ratings and report dates from the Care Quality Commission, Open Government Licence v3.0. A home can also be visited without a new rating being published, so the timeline shows published inspections.
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19 live-in carers within about an hour of East Sussex
These are self-employed carers on PrimeCarers, the introductory agency that runs this directory. Each has a profile with their own rates and reviews from families, and you choose who to talk to.
Most charge £1,000 to £1,400 a week. 13 can care for a couple. 10 years' experience on average.
“When he point blank refused to go into hospital for a life saving blood transfusion she talked him through the situation and agreed to go in the ambulance with him and stayed until he was settled.”
“Una felt safe, secure and loved in her time with Debbie which is a gift that I am eternally grateful for.”
Every carer has had an enhanced DBS check in the last 18 months, ID and right-to-work checks and an online interview. Their skills and training are for you to check with them. Carers set their own rates, and who is free changes week to week.