11 October 2016
During a routine inspection
Pelham Lodge is a care home located in Gravesend in Kent. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to 10 older people some of whom have dementia care needs. The home also provided palliative care, which is care for people who have a terminal illness.
On the day of our inspection, the service was fully occupied with 10 people living there. People were accommodated in a large house, in single rooms with en-suite facilities. There was a garden and patio area for people to relax during suitable weather.
The service had a registered manager in place at the time of our inspection. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the CQC 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 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
Staff understood their responsibilities to protect the people in their care. They were knowledgeable about how to protect people from abuse and from other risks to their health and welfare. Medicines were managed and handled safely for people. Arrangements were in place to keep people safe in the event of an emergency. The service demonstrated good practice with regards to the administration, recording, auditing, storage and disposal of medicines. People were supported to take their medicines on time and medicine records were up to date.
There were sufficient staff to meet people’s needs. Staff were attentive, respectful, patient and interacted well with people. People told us that they were happy and felt well cared for. Risk assessments were in place about how to support people in a safe manner.
Staff undertook training and received supervision to support them to carry out their roles effectively. However, we noted large gaps where supervision meetings with staff, had not taken place. We made a recommendation for the registered manager to establish more robust systems to ensure staff received appropriate support and professional development.
People were supported to consent to care and treatment. The service operated in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Staff training records showed they had attended training in MCA and DoLS.
People’s needs were assessed before they moved in to the service. The care plans were person centred and tailored to meet their needs. Care plans were regularly reviewed to reflect people's changing needs. People were encouraged to develop and contribute to their care plans wherever possible. People were supported to maintain good health and had access to health care services when it was needed. People received a nutritionally balanced diet to maintain their health and wellbeing.
People and staff told us they found the registered manager approachable and that they listened to them. People felt comfortable sharing their views and speaking with the staff if they had any concerns or complaints. The provider sought feedback about the care provided and monitored the service to ensure that care and treatment was provided in a safe and effective way to meet people’s needs.