Background to this inspection
Updated
5 December 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
This inspection was carried out by an inspector, an inspection manager, an assistant inspector and an Expert by Experience. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.
Service and service type
Marnel 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. 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 of this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We spoke with five people who used the service, nine relatives and two healthcare professionals
about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with 13 members of staff including the
registered manager, deputy manager, regional manager, chef, nurses and care staff.
Some people were unable to speak to us about their experience of the service, therefore we observed their experience and the care they received in communal areas. We also used the Short Observational Framework for Inspection (SOFI). SOFI is a way of observing care to help us understand the experience of people who could not talk with us.
We reviewed a range of records. This included seven people's care records and multiple medication records. We looked at seven staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.
After the inspection
We reviewed further information sent to us by the registered manager.
Updated
5 December 2019
About the service
Marnel Lodge is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care to 61 people aged 65 and over at the time of the inspection. The majority of people were living with a form of dementia. The service can support up to 62 people.
The care home accommodates people in one adapted building over two floors. The upper floor specialises in providing care to people living with more advanced dementia.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People and relatives told us the service was safe. One person told us, “I know I am safe, the staff know what they are doing and look after me very well.” Staff understood signs of possible abuse and how to raise concerns. Risks to people were assessed and known by staff. People were supported by staff who had undergone appropriate recruitment checks. Medicines were administered appropriately. Incidents and accidents were thoroughly investigated.
People experienced good outcomes because staff were well trained and involved the appropriate healthcare professionals. The service was following current best practice guidance. Staff experienced effective support including an induction, ongoing supervision and appraisal. This enabled them to provide good quality, effective care. People's hydration and nutritional needs were met.
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.
The registered manager and staff provided caring and compassionate support to people.
People were encouraged to remain as mobile and independent in their daily lives as possible. People and relatives confirmed to us that they were always treated with dignity and respect.
People's needs were holistically assessed and met by the care provided. People were treated equally and without discrimination. A variety of activities were available for people to participate in and people were supported to continue activities that were meaningful to them. The registered manager had created different themed areas in the service for people to enjoy. Complaints were well managed and responded to appropriately. End of life care was provided effectively and compassionately.
The service was well-led. The registered manager and staff promoted a positive, open and honest culture within the service and understood their regulatory responsibilities. People and relatives were appropriately involved in the service. There were appropriate systems in place to monitor and improve the service.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection
The last rating for this service was good (published 5 May 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.