We carried out a review of the data available to us about Gresham Lodge Care Home on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Gresham Lodge Care Home, you can give feedback on this service.
Gresham Lodge is a residential care home providing personal care for up to 21 people, some of whom may be living with dementia. At the time of inspection, 21 people lived at the service.
Peoples experience of using this service and what we found
People were happy and felt well supported by staff who were kind, caring and had developed positive relationships with people. Staff treated people with respect and maintained their privacy and dignity. Staff considered people’s values, views and beliefs, and supported people in a person-centred manner.
The service held social events for people and their relatives to attend. However, staff did not always have time to support people with social activities daily. The registered manager told us they would address this and ensure that people did not become bored. We have made a recommendation about the provision of activities.
Quality assurance systems were in place to monitor the safety and quality of the service. Some areas of monitoring required further work. The management team constantly looked at ways to improve the service and sought the views and opinions of people and staff.
Staff were recruited safely and received appropriate training and support for their role. Staff worked well as a team and had a positive approach to their work. Staff were supported by the management team.
The home was clean, friendly and homely. Staff understood people’s needs and were aware of potential risks and how to keep them safe. Staff were knowledgeable about safeguarding and able to raise concerns. People received their medicines safely.
People had their needs assessed and had access to healthcare services. People received appropriate support to eat and drink and were offered a varied and balanced diet.
People 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.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last Inspection
The last inspection for this service was good (published 15 September 2017)
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.
We found the following examples of good practice.
Staff took part in regular testing for COVID-19 and were fully vaccinated. They followed government guidance in relation to personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. The service had an ample supply of PPE and stock levels were monitored by the registered manager. Visitors were also required to wear PPE and enough stock was available.
Staff supported people’s social and emotional wellbeing. People were supported to have visitors and safe visiting processes were followed in line with national guidance. Alternative arrangements were available to support people to maintain contact with their family and friends in the event of an outbreak.
Staff monitored people for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and appropriate processes were in place and followed should anyone display any symptoms of COVID-19.
Risks to people and staff in relation to COVID-19 had been assessed and action taken to manage the risks.
The service is registered to provide accommodation for up to 21 people. On the day of our inspection there were 20 people using the service.
There was a registered manager in place. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, there are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
Staff understood their responsibility to safeguard people from harm and abuse. Risks to people’s health and wellbeing were identified and understood by staff. People were supported to live their lives even if risks were present. Sufficient staff were provided with the right skills and knowledge to support people. Recruitment processes were robust, this helped to protect people from staff who may not be suitable to work in the care industry. Staff undertook training to manage medicine's safely.
Training was provided for staff to ensure they had the skills required to support people. New staff shadowed experienced staff until they were competent in their role. Staff received supervision and appraisals, which allowed discussion to be held about training or performance issues.
People’s rights were protected and staff advised and supported people to make informed decisions for themselves. The registered manager and staff were aware of their responsibilities in regard to the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
People were supported appropriately to eat and drink to help maintain their nutritional intake. Staff reported any concerns to relevant health care professionals. People nutritional needs were met.
Staff supported people with kindness and compassion. People's privacy and dignity was maintained. Care records were monitored and reviewed regularly or as people’s needs changed, which helped to maintain people’s wellbeing. Confidential information was held securely. Information about advocacy services was provided to people. End of life care was provided.
A complaints procedure was in place. People at the service told us they had no complaints to raise and they were satisfied with the service they received.
Staff understood the management system in place and understood their roles and responsibilities. There was an ‘on call’ system in place outside of office hours. This allowed people, their relatives or staff to gain help and advice, at any time. Quality assurance checks occurred to monitor the service and identify any areas for improvement. People’s views were sought and were acted upon.