The Lodge

Updated 13 April 2021

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 23 March 2021and was announced.

Updated 13 April 2021

This inspection took place on 10 January 2019 and was announced. We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection visit because the location was a small care home for younger adults who are often out during the day. We needed to be sure that they would be in.

The Lodge is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The Lodge is situated near Langport in the grounds of Immacolata House, another care home run by the organisation. The home can accommodate up to three people living with a learning disability. People living in the Lodge can also access the facilities at Immacolata House.

The service has been developed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

At our last inspection we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

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Why the service is rated Good.

People received care and support that was safe. The provider had a robust recruitment programme which meant all new staff were checked to ensure they were suitable to work with vulnerable people. All staff had received training in safeguarding vulnerable people. People’s medicines were managed safely and within current guidelines.

Risk assessments were in place to identify any risk to people and staff understood the actions to take to ensure people were safe. There were sufficient staff to support people with their daily living and activities.

People received effective care and support. Staff had a clear understanding of people’s needs and received training relevant to their role and the needs of people living in the home. People enjoyed a healthy balanced and nutritious diet based on their preferences and health needs.

People received care from staff who were kind and caring. Staff respected people’s privacy and dignity always. People were supported to express an opinion about the care provided and contribute to any changes.

People received responsive care and support which was personalised to their individual needs and wishes. There was clear guidance for staff on how to communicate with people and how to know when a person was not happy or distressed. People were supported to access health care services and to see healthcare professionals when necessary.

People were supported by a team that was well led. The registered manager demonstrated an open and positive approach to learning and development.

There were systems in place to monitor the quality of the service, ensure staff kept up to date with good practice and to seek people’s views. Records showed the service responded to concerns and complaints and learnt from issues raised.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.