All inspections: Parkwood Lodge - Care Quality Commission

Parkwood Lodge is registered to provide accommodation for seven people requiring personal care who may have a learning disability and or associated mental health condition. The home does not provide nursing care.

The home has seven ensuite bedrooms. Three are situated on the ground floor and four are on the first and are accessed by stairs. There is a lounge, two dining areas, kitchen, conservatory and a large secure garden to the rear of the property. Public transport and a range of shops are located within walking distance of the service. On the day of our inspection seven people were living at the home.

There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

This inspection took place on 30 November and 2 December 2015 and was unannounced.

People who were able to talk with us said that they felt safe in the home and if they had any concerns they were confident these would be quickly addressed by the staff or registered manager.

There were sufficient numbers of qualified, skilled and experienced staff to meet people’s needs. The provider operated safe and effective recruitment procedures.

Medicines were stored and administered safely. Clear and accurate medicines records were maintained. Training records showed that staff had completed training in a range of areas that reflected their job role.

Staff received supervision and appraisals which were on-going, providing them with appropriate support to carry out their roles.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. The registered manager understood when an application should be made and how to submit one. They were aware of a recent Supreme Court Judgement which widened and clarified the definition of a deprivation of liberty.

Where people lacked the mental capacity to make decisions the home was guided by the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to ensure any decisions were made in the person’s best interests.

People were involved in their care planning. Staff supported people with health care appointments and visits from health care professionals. Care plans were amended to show any changes and care plans were routinely reviewed to check they were up to date.

Staff encouraged people to make their own choices and promoted their independence to take part in activities and leisure pursuits of their choice and to go out into the community as they wished.

People spoke positively about the way the home was run. The registered manager and staff understood their respective roles and responsibilities.

There were effective systems in place to monitor and improve the quality of the service provided. We saw that various audits had been undertaken.

Observation during the inspection showed staff supporting people to make their own choices about what they had for lunch and what activities they took part in. Staff communicated well with each person and had a good rapport. One person told us "the staff are really nice and I like the manager - he is always happy to help me". Staff knew exactly how each person communicated which meant people's wishes were understood and respected.

We observed that staff asked people about how and when they wanted their care and support. This indicated that people were involved in planning their care on a daily basis.

People chose how to occupy themselves in the service. We observed that people were spending time in the communal areas accessing the internet, watching television, speaking with staff and interacting with each other. During our inspection we saw several people being supported by staff to access the community including one person who completed their christmas shopping and another person who attended the local community centre for lunch.

Staff we spoke with told us "we have a very supportive team and can discuss any issues. The team are great and we all support each other - it is a fantastic support system". Another member of staff said "the manager is supportive and I have confidence that action would be taken with any issues I raised and I would be supported".

People using the service spoke positively about the care provided at the home. They told us that members of staff were caring and kind. People were supported in promoting their independence and community involvement. One person liked to go to the shops and arrangements were in place to support them to do so. People's needs were assessed and care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with their individual care. One person told us they received help whilst shaving and washing as they had requested for this. However, members of staff encouraged them to be as independent as possible. People told us they liked the food provided. One person told us they made their own food with the help and support from members of staff, when they needed it. Staff working at the home told us they were well supported and trained to meet the needs of people.

As this was a follow up visit we did not have detailed conversations with people living in the home on this occasion. However, we received positive comments from one person about the service provided. They confirmed that they were regularly involved in discussions about their care plans and risk assessments.

People told us that they were aware of care planning in the home and agreed that staff regularly talked to them about the care and support they receive. They talked about involvement in care plans, being listened to and involvement in monthly reviews. They also said they get the help that was recorded in their care plan.

Staff told us that they have plenty of regular training which begins at induction when first in the post. They have regular supervision and said the manager is approachable for discussion about issues. They are involved in reviewing care plans. One member of staff thought that one person's care plan needed reviewing in light of recent behaviours. Staff were aware of action to take if they had safeguarding concerns.

Staff had some concerns about the level of one 'one support needed for one person. They said they often provided more than the six hours agreed although funding was not available but this affected meeting other people's needs and minimising risks related to that person.

A care professional told us that the manager acted appropriately regarding safeguarding matters, attending meetings and carrying out action plans.

These older reports are from our old approaches to inspection, including those from before CQC was created.

Archived: Parkwood Lodge

All Inspections

30 November and 2 December 2015

During a routine inspection

13 November 2013

During a routine inspection

31 January 2013

During a routine inspection

29 February 2012

During an inspection looking at part of the service

5 July 2011

During an inspection in response to concerns

Reports under our old system of regulation