What the CQC found at The Lodge Care Home

The provider carried out appropriate recruitment checks, including criminal background checks, references and checks on identity and eligibility to work.

“Staff were recruited by the provider appropriately. This included carrying out criminal background checks, obtaining references, proof of their identify and eligibility to work.” from the report

There were procedures to protect people from abuse. Staff had safeguarding training and understood how to report concerns.

“Staff had received training in safeguarding people from abuse. Staff were able to describe the procedures they would follow should they identify people at risk of abuse.” from the report

Staff worked with GPs, district nurses, physiotherapists and other professionals to support people's health and wellbeing.

“The staff and management team worked with health professionals to ensure people were in the best of health.” from the report

People were able to maintain contact with family and friends through visits, telephone calls and video calls.

“People were supported to maintain relationships with family and friends to avoid social isolation. They were able to have visitors and keep in regular contact with them by telephone or video call.” from the report

Medicines were not consistently given as prescribed, recorded correctly or stored safely. Insulin was given by staff without suitable training or competency checks.

“Medicines were not managed safely. We found concerns which put people at risk of unsafe care and possible harm.” from the report

The home did not always have enough staff, particularly at night, to support people safely and respond to emergencies.

“The significant shortfalls we found indicated insufficient staffing levels to provide safe care and also respond to emergencies.” from the report

Some care plans and risk assessments had not been reviewed after changes in people's needs or repeated accidents. One person receiving respite care had stayed for a year without a personalised care plan.

“We found a number of care plans had not been reviewed in recent months.” from the report

The home did not always act when people lost weight or had low fluid intake. Inspectors also found limited food choices and that staff did not always offer choices.

“People's nutritional and hydration needs were not always met to help them maintain a balanced diet and their health.” from the report

Many people had little access to activities because only one activity coordinator was available each day, and the programme was not clearly displayed.

“As a large home with nearly 90 people, we found the activities were out of reach for most people.” from the report

Audits had not found serious problems with medicines, staffing, care plans, nutrition or activities. This meant important risks were not dealt with promptly.

“Audits and quality assurance systems had not identified that people were not always receiving and experiencing high quality care and achieving positive outcomes.” from the report