We visited Boston Lodge on 17 September 2012. There were 13 people living in the home at the time of our visit. No one knew we would be visiting. We spoke with three people who lived there, four members of staff, a visiting relative and the area manager. The manager was on annual leave at the time of our visit. We were unable to view some records as only the manager had access to them. We spent time observing interactions between staff and the people living at Boston Lodge. Boston Lodge has 13 bedrooms, all with their own en-suite shower room. There is a large lounge, conservatory, quiet room and dining room. The home has been adapted for the needs of older people with visual and hearing impairments.
There was a relaxed atmosphere in the home. We observed warm interactions between the people who lived there and the staff. Staff were knowledgeable about people's care needs and the support they required. One visiting relative told us, "My experience has been that every time she has needed something it has been met."
The home was unable to provide evidence that risk assessments were in place to support staff to deliver care safely.
The provider had recently responded to a rise in the level of need of those who live in the home by increasing staff levels during the day.
People living in the home and those who visit were not routinely asked for their views about the quality of care provided.