All inspections: Dunster Lodge Residential Home

This inspection was part of the schedule of inspections and to check that an improvement required at the last inspection in February 2013 had been completed. We reviewed four care records and checked the records for the administration and management of medicines. We looked at the records for two staff who had been recruited since the last inspection. We used information about the management and administration of the service submitted by the provider following the inspection visit. We spoke with four people who used the service and the staff on duty.

The people we spoke with told us that they were happy living in the home, they enjoyed the atmosphere and they were well looked after. One person said 'Suit's me, I have been very happy here.' Another told us 'It is going alright.'

We had mixed comments from people about the food provided in the home. One person said, 'pleasant enough ' but I am not really interested in what is on the menu, I eat different things at different times and staff sort me out.' Another person said the meals were 'a bit boring in variety ' but ok.' We observed part of the meals times at midday and teatime and saw that people appeared to be enjoying their food and drink.

People told us that the staff were very good, friendly and supportive. We observed that there was a good rapport between people and the staff working in the home on the day of the inspection.

We found the systems for the safe management of medicines put people at risk. We heard from the provider following the inspection visit that some actions had been put in place to rectify some these concerns. However, there remain areas of improvement required.

This inspection was part of the schedule of inspections. We reviewed six care records and other records for the management and administration of the service. We spoke with seven people who used the service, a visitor, a social care professional visiting the service and the staff on duty.

People told us about how they had participated in the development and reviews of their care plans. People also told us about their choices for how they wished to conduct their days and receive support and assistance from staff. We heard about how some people had stayed in the home for short periods of respite care before they decided they wanted to live in the home permanently. We were told they had found the respite stays were invaluable and helped them make the decision about their future. One person said about the home, 'Truly wonderful.' Another told us that 'It is really homely and comfortable and I get the help that I need.' People said that staff were helpful and ensured that they received the medical treatment they needed.

People told us that they were confident to speak to staff if they had any worries or concerns about the service. A relative told us that they had found the staff very approachable and helpful.

We found there were concerns about some of the practices to prevent the spread of infection around the home. We made a compliance action for the provider to improve.

People told us that they could make choices about the way that they spent their days in the home and the care that they received.

We were told that people 'please themselves more or less.' One person told us 'It is free and easy here. It was difficult for me in the beginning giving up my home but this place is very friendly and homely.'

Everyone had something positive to say about the care they had received. One person said 'I am extremely well looked after here. I had a very bad fall, was in a bad way before I came here. I feel lucky to be here now. I am definitely staying.'

People told us that about the staff they would talk to in the home if they had any concerns. They said that the manager was 'approachable' and other staff were 'very nice and kind.' We heard that the home owners were 'always ready to listen.' People are asked to attend formal meetings in order to express their views and minutes are kept. One person said 'There really is nothing they could do better.'

Archived: Dunster Lodge Residential Home

All Inspections

12 November 2013

During a routine inspection

11 February 2013

During a routine inspection

14 September 2011

During a routine inspection