Oakleigh Lodge

Updated 6 August 2019

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

Inspection team

The inspection was carried out by two inspectors and an assistant inspector.

Service and service type

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

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. This included notifications the provider is required by law to send us about events that happen within the service such as serious injuries. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. This information helps support our inspections. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with seven people who used the service and three relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with the registered manager, a team leader, the cook and three support workers. We also spoke with the director of the provider company who was also the nominated individual. The nominated individual is responsible for supervising the management of the service on behalf of the provider.

We reviewed a range of records which included two people's care records in full and specific issues in other people’s care records. We reviewed four people’s medicine records and looked at two staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. We also reviewed a variety of records relating to the overall management at the service.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at meeting minutes and spoke to a healthcare professional who regularly visits the service.

Updated 6 August 2019

About the service

Oakleigh Lodge is a residential care home that provides accommodation and personal care to 19 people who live with a learning disability, mental health needs or autistic spectrum disorder. Oakleigh Lodge accommodates 13 people in a main house and six people in adjoining flats. Everyone being supported at Oakleigh Lodge had access to the large garden and communal areas within the main house.

The service had not been designed in line with Registering Right Support and other best practice guidance. This was in terms of the size which is not small scale and the location. However, during the inspection visit, we saw the care being provided was meeting the current needs of the people living at the service. The service had been developed so people who use the service could live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. At the time of our inspection, people using the service received planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that was appropriate and inclusive for them.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People felt safe and were supported by staff who knew how to protect people from avoidable harm.

Risks to people's health and well-being had been identified, assessed and monitored to ensure people received safe care and treatment.

People received their medication as prescribed.

Staff were recruited safely, and processes checked the background of potential new staff.

There were enough staff with the right expertise to meet people’s needs.

Staff received a thorough induction when they started working at the home, but training had not always been refreshed in line with the provider's expected timeframes. Despite this, people were supported by staff who knew them well.

The home was clean, tidy and well maintained. There was a high level of compliance with good infection control practices.

People and relatives told us staff were caring, kind and treated people with dignity and respect.

Assessments were complete before people moved into the home which meant staff could be sure they could meet their individual needs.

The service sought to apply the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance despite its size. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence.

People told us they were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People had identified goals they wished to achieve but there was limited information in care records about what staff could do to support people to achieve these goals.

People made their own decisions about their care and were supported by staff who understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

Referrals were made to healthcare professionals where required to ensure people’s health needs were met.

People's nutritional needs had been assessed and guidance was provided in care plans for staff about how to encourage people to maintain a healthy diet whilst minimising risks such as choking and allergies.

People and relatives knew how to raise concerns and were confident action would be taken in a timely way.

Relatives told us they were always kept up to date with important information relating to their family member and could contact the registered manager or director at any time.

People and relatives told us the service was well-led and spoke positively of the management team at the home.

The registered manager understood their regulatory responsibilities and their requirement to provide us (CQC) with notifications about important events and incidents that occurred whilst the service was delivering care.

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was good (published 19 February 2016).

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.

You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Oakleigh Lodge on our website at www.cqc.org.uk.