What the CQC found at Lyndale

The staff team was stable and understood people's individual communication, health and support needs. Inspectors saw staff using this knowledge in practice.

“People were safe as staff knew them very well, and there were detailed, individualised risk assessments in place.” from the report

Inspectors observed medicines being given correctly, including as-required medicines and medicines needing special preparation. Storage and records were also checked.

“Medication administration practice was observed and we found this was safe and robust.” from the report

Staff responded promptly and supported people sensitively, including when someone was upset. People's privacy, dignity and cultural needs were respected.

“People were supported by helpful, caring and kind staff who focused specifically on the person.” from the report

People helped decide how to spend their days and could make requests about activities, belongings and experiences. The home recorded and acted on these requests.

“Care was delivered as people requested it. People had choice as to how to spend their days and every effort was made to accommodate their wishes.” from the report

The home had introduced detailed audits covering areas such as medicines, care plans, staffing, accidents and fire safety. Issues found through audits were followed up.

“The quality assurance system was robust and included regular audits of medication, mealtimes, training, independence, personal care, accidents, staffing and fire safety among many other areas.” from the report

Inspectors found evidence of capacity assessments but advised that they should always be specific to the decision being made. They said staff knowledge needed further embedding, although people's consent was sought.

“Further embedding of knowledge was needed around the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 although people's consent was always sought.” from the report

There was limited evidence of recorded end of life decision making. The home had discussed people's wishes wherever possible and used previous contacts to record them.

“There was limited evidence of end of life decision making but this had been approached wherever possible with people.” from the report

Checks were completed for the one person recruited since the previous inspection, but not every previous employer had been contacted. The manager agreed to improve this in future.

“although not every previous employer had been contacted.” from the report

Equipment had been checked, but the information given to the manager about servicing was not detailed enough. Inspectors discussed obtaining fuller documentation.

“the information provided to the registered manager was insufficient” from the report

One shower cubicle that was out of use contained old carpet grippers and pieces of wood. The manager moved these immediately during the inspection.

“contained old carpet grippers and bits of wood.” from the report