Meadow Lodge Residential Care Home

Updated 23 March 2021

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 11 March 2021 and was announced. We gave 24 hours' notice of the inspection due to restrictions in place during the COVID pandemic.

Updated 23 March 2021

About the service: Meadow Lodge is a residential care home and is registered to provide accommodation and personal care for up to 14 older people. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. At the time of our inspection 13 people were using the service.

People’s experience of using this service: One person using the service told us, “It’s like home from home.” A relative said, “They are like a little extension of our family.”

We found there were management and leadership arrangements in place to support the effective day to day running of the service.

People told us they felt safe at the service. Processes were in place to make sure all appropriate checks were carried out before staff started working at the service.

Arrangements were in place to promote the safety of the premises, this included maintenance, servicing and checking systems. We found some areas were in need of attention and the provider was taking action to make improvements.

Staff were aware of the signs and indicators of abuse and they knew what to do if they had any concerns. Staff had received training on safeguarding and protection matters.

There were some good processes in place to manage and store people's medicines safely. We found some good practice improvements were ongoing.

There were enough staff available to provide care and support; we were told staffing arrangements were kept under review.

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People's needs were being assessed, planned for and reviewed. Each person had a care plan. However, we found some shortfalls with person centred care planning, therefore we made a recommendation for improvements.

People were supported with their healthcare needs. Changes in people's health and well-being were monitored and responded to. Where necessary, people received appropriate medical attention.

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

People made positive comments about the caring attitude of staff. They said their privacy and dignity was respected. We observed staff interacting with people in a kind, pleasant and friendly manner. Staff were respectful of people's choices and opinions.

Visiting arrangements were flexible, relatives and friends were made welcome at the service.

There were opportunities for people to engage in a range of group and individual activities.

People said they were satisfied with the variety and quality of the meals provided at the service. People’s individual needs and preferences were catered for. During our visit, action was taken to offer further choices. Arrangements to monitor an enhance people’s mealtime experience were ongoing.

People spoken with had an awareness of the service's complaints procedure and processes. They indicated they would be confident in raising concerns. Some progresses was needed in ensuring proper records would be kept of formal complaints.

There was a suitable standard of décor and furnishings to provide for people's comfort and wellbeing.

Arrangements were in place to encourage people to express their views and be consulted about Meadow Lodge, they had opportunities to give feedback on their experience of the service. There were plans in place to make improvements.

A variety of audits on quality, systems and processes were completed regularly. We were assured by the provider these would be further developed.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection: At our last inspection the service was rated good overall. Our last report was published on 16 July 2016.

Why we inspected: This inspection was part of our scheduled plan of visiting services to check the safety and quality of care people received.

Follow up: We will plan a follow up inspection as per our inspection programme. We will continue to monitor the service and if we receive any concerning information we may bring the inspection forward.