Archived: Dunniwood Lodge

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations, speaking with people who used the service, speaking with staff supporting them and looking at records.

If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary, please read the full report.

Is the service safe?

People were cared for and supported in line with their assessed needs. We spoke with people who used the service and they felt able to raise any concerns with the staff or the manager. They were confident that they would resolve any issues.

We observed staff and saw they respected people and offered choices suitable to their needs. On the day of the inspection there were enough staff to meet people's needs in an effective way.

We were informed that all equipment was serviced every year. The deputy manager showed us a file containing certificates issued following the servicing. We saw that most equipment had been serviced in line with requirements. However we found that some pressure relieving mattresses had not been serviced in line with requirements. The deputy manager contacted the company who provided this equipment and actioned this whilst we were on inspection.

We saw that audits were in place to monitor the service. We found that action points were raised and completed appropriately.

Is the service effective?

People's health and care needs were assessed and care plans were designed to meet the needs of people who used the service. People felt that they were involved in their care.

Each person had a key worker who was responsible for their care. They ensured the care plans were still relevant to meet people's needs. We saw care plans, which addressed individual needs and highlighted choices and preferences.

Is the service caring?

We observed staff interacting with people who used the service and saw that they were caring and kind in their approach. Care plans included people's interests, likes and dislikes. This ensured that people's preferences were considered as part of their care and that life history had been used effectively.

We spoke with people who used the service who told us that they felt they were cared for appropriately. One person said, 'I get on well with the staff, I can tell them about anything.'

Is the service responsive?

Social events and daily activities for people who used the service were planned on a daily basis and in consultation with people. Activities were based on people's likes and interests. We spoke with people who used the service and they said they had enjoyed activities provided.

We spoke with people who used the service who told us they felt able to discuss anything with the deputy manager or the staff. One person said, 'I feel listened to.' Another person said, 'It's just like home here, I love it.'

Is the service well-led?

At the time of our inspection there was no registered manager in place at this service. The deputy manager was providing cover as acting manager.

The deputy manager sought the views of people who used the service in order to improve. House meetings took place on a regular basis and people felt able to contribute.

There was a quality assurance system in place which was completed on a six monthly basis. The deputy manager acted on suggestions made and discussed the outcome of the survey with people who used the service and their relatives. We found that there was a quality assurance survey ongoing at the time of our visit.

Although audits took place and actions were identified we could see where the actions had been achieved. Audits identified that the service was in need of redecoration and the deputy manager was in the process of obtaining quotes.

We found people who used the service were encouraged to make choices in aspects of their care, treatment and support. Staff we spoke with told us they offered choices, involving people to make decisions and respecting their wishes as to how they wanted to spend their day.

People were protected from the risks of inadequate nutrition and dehydration. People we spoke with told us the food was good. One person told us, "Very good food." A relative said, "Very good home made food. Choices are available, there's plenty of drinks."

People were protected from the risk of infection because appropriate guidance had been followed. We found people were cared for in a clean, hygienic environment.

People were cared for, or supported by, suitably qualified, skilled and experienced staff. People we spoke with were complimentary about the staff and said they were kind and caring.

There was an effective complaints system available. People we spoke with said they had no complaints about the standard of care or the home's general facilities. They told us they would feel comfortable speaking to the manager, or any of the staff, if they had any concerns.

People were cared for by staff who were supported to deliver care and treatment safely and to an appropriate standard. We found staff had received appropriate training, professional development, supervision and appraisal.