24 August 2017
During a routine inspection
Oak Lodge is registered to provide care and accommodation to a maximum of 15 older people. At the time of our inspection visit there were 15 people living at home. The provider was also the registered manager.
A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission 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.
Measures in place to ensure staff and the emergency services had the information needed to support people effectively in the event of a fire, or other emergency required improvement. Some emergency exits within the home were not fully and easily operational. Action was taken to address this following our inspection visit.
People were protected from the risks of abuse because staff received training in safeguarding and understood their responsibilities to raise any concerns. The registered manager checked staff were suitable for their role before they started working at the home and made sure there were enough staff to support people safely. Medicines were stored, administered and managed safely.
People and their relatives were included in planning how they were cared for and supported. Risks associated with people’s care were identified and care was planned to minimise the risks. The management team regularly checked essential supplies and equipment were safe for people to use.
People were cared for and supported by an established staff team who were well trained and sufficiently skilled to meet people’s need effectively. The registered manager and staff understood their responsibilities in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. People received a choice of meals and drinks that met their individual needs and were supported to access healthcare services when needed.
People and staff felt well cared for. Staff respected people’s privacy and dignity and encouraged people to maintain their independence according to their wishes and abilities. People were encouraged to maintain their interests and take part in meaningful activities in the home and in the local community.
People told us they felt safe living at Oak Lodge and staff were happy working at the home. The management team and staff understood people’s individual needs, preferences, likes and dislikes. Care records were personalised and up to date.
People and relatives were complimentary about the quality of service provided and the way the home was managed. Staff felt supported and valued by the management team. The management team completed regular checks to monitor the quality of service provided and invited people and relatives to share their views about the service. The provider used feedback to ensure the service continually improved.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.