Abbey Lodge

Updated 17 April 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 announced inspection took place on 24 March 2021. The inspection was announced prior to us entering the service, so we could ensure that measures were in place to support an inspection and manage any infection control risks. We also asked the provider to send us infection prevention and control policies and audit findings.

Updated 17 April 2021

This inspection took place on 14 and 24 July 2017 and was unannounced. At our last inspection on 24 April 2015 the service was found to be meeting the required standards in the areas we looked at.

Abbey Lodge is a care home for people who are living with learning disabilities or an autistic spectrum disorder. There were six people living at the home at the time of this inspection. The home consists of one large detached house spread over two floors. Each person has their own bedroom with shared bathrooms/shower facilities, one large sitting room and conservatory and shared kitchen/dining room.

There was a manager in post who had registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). A registered manager is a person who has registered with the CQC 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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

The majority of people who lived at the home were unable to communicate verbally but we observed staff supporting people with a range of communication aids, which included signing and interpreting people’s body language with regards to meeting their needs and wishes. People welcomed us into their home and told us they felt safe and happy living at Abbey Lodge.

Staff were clear about their role in supporting people and about how they positively managed risks to people's safety and well-being. There were clear plans on how to support people to have independence and control over their lives while promoting their safety, comfort and wellbeing.

Staff had received training in how to safeguard people from abuse and knew how to report concerns. Safe and effective recruitment practices were followed to ensure that all staff were suitably qualified and experienced. There were sufficient numbers of suitable staff available to meet people's individual needs. People were supported to manage their medicines safely.

The atmosphere in the home was welcoming and there were positive and caring interactions between the staff and the people who lived in the home. People told us they were fully involved in planning their care and they were encouraged to develop their skills and interests. There were clear plans on how people wished to be supported and the goals they wanted to achieve. People enjoyed a varied healthy diet and their physical and mental health needs were well catered for.

We found that people’s lives were significantly enhanced by a staff team who were committed and enthusiastic in striving to support people who live with complex needs and every day challenges.

People’s permission was sought before staff assisted them with care or support. Staff were supported to develop the required skills and knowledge to provide care effectively to people.

People’s relatives were encouraged to be involved in reviewing people’s support plans. People were actively supported to maintain family relationships and friendships.

The home was well led by a registered manager who knew the people and staff and supported them to have their views and ideas heard and acted upon. There was a positive open culture with staff working together in an atmosphere which valued their contribution to the service. Systems were in place to monitor the quality of the service and promote continuous improvement.