Godden Lodge Care Home

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• Overview
• Kindness, compassion and dignity
• Treating people as individuals
• Independence, choice and control
• Responding to people’s immediate needs
• Workforce wellbeing and enablement

We looked at 1 quality statement. People were encouraged to be independent and have choice and control over their lives and had positive outcomes. Family and friends were positively encouraged and welcomed to the service. People did not have the same opportunities and access to social and leisure activities and meaningful engagement across the service.

This service scored 70 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

We did not look at Kindness, compassion and dignity during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Caring.

We did not look at Treating people as individuals during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Caring.

People and relatives gave a mixed response about access to social and leisure activities and meaningful occupation. One person said, “When [name of unit manager] is in she pops her head in to see me. Also, I have my nails done. I do go down to the lounge, but a lot of people are asleep, so happy in my room, have got my crossword books, and keep in contact with my friend on the phone.” Another person told us, “My only complaint is no exercise. I would like that, even armchair exercises would be good, that would definitely help me.” A third person said, “I have no complaints, but there is nothing going on here. I would like it if someone came to talk to me.” People were supported to maintain relationships that were important to them. A person told us, “I am going home for a day next week. I have been home a couple of times; the staff are keen you see your family.” Family members and friends were welcomed to the service and able to join in with activities. A family member said, “Had bingo this morning, ponies coming in and yes I think there is enough to do, they do loads of flower arranging.” Another told us, “We went to the pub with 9 people, 3 staff and me, it was lovely.”

People’s independence was promoted so that they could achieve goals and aspirations. The registered manager and unit managers gave us examples of where there had been positive outcomes for people. For example, one person who was a wheelchair user when admitted to the service, had started walking within a short amount of time. The person was underweight and with good food intake and support had gained weight. They were able to participate in activities, go out for walks and now completed their own personal care. A staff member said, “I am proud of people’s achievements, for example when [name of person] came, they couldn’t walk and is now walking, so much so they can now move to a warden-controlled place having their own home.” Some people had access to activities and the local community to promote and support their independence, health and wellbeing. We were provided with photographs of people and family members engaging in outings, activities and celebrations.

On the day of the assessment, in one unit, (Cephas) people were enjoying a card game, whilst others were involved in a quiz with the wellbeing coordinator. We observed however, that on the other two units (Boyce and Victoria), no activities were taking place. On Boyce unit, people were asleep, or sat quietly with nothing nearby to occupy them, although there was a box in the lounge labelled activity box but no evidence of anything being used. There was very limited conversation or interaction with people, with staff only having passing chats albeit pleasant, friendly and respectful but brief. We were told that the wellbeing coordinator had the day off on Boyce unit and that meant no activities that day. On Victoria unit, there was no meaningful engagement or activities for people to do, except people being offered a colouring book, having their nails painted or a film put on the television. A staff member told us, “There is probably not as much going on as there should be. People in their rooms should have more, they have a TV and radio, but they are staring at the walls. Some activities can be childish." We noted the lack of resources around to support people with dementia. We did not see any evidence of dementia friendly tools, activities, equipment available either in the lounges or in the corridors which people could use alone or in a group, for stimulation, relaxation, interest and occupation.

People's care plans provided information about their social and leisure interests, what they enjoyed doing and the support they needed to participate. Wellbeing staff recorded their contact with people, what people engaged in and their enjoyment or behaviour, if in their room or as a group. Due to our observations, we requested further information be sent after the site visit. The registered manager provided us with the activities records for two people and there was very little engagement, activity or companionship recorded as being provided over a period of 4 weeks. People’s social and leisure needs were not being met regularly or consistently. There was a range of appropriate equipment such as frames, wheelchairs, walking sticks and hoists to support and maximise people’s independence. People were using equipment appropriately and staff supported them with appropriate moving and handling skills.

We did not look at Responding to people’s immediate needs during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Caring.

We did not look at Workforce wellbeing and enablement during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Caring.