25 October and 6 November 2013
During a routine inspection
People using the service told us that they were treated with dignity and respect by the care staff working at Park Lodge. Comments included "they're nice here", "I find it lovely here" and "they are looking after me well". Comments from individuals about the staff included "most of the staff have been here for years, very good", I like the staff", "they do try", "no complaints about the staff, one or two not as good as the others" and "they're nice here".
We attended a relatives meeting being held at the home on the first day we visited with nine family members or carers in attendance. Family members and carers were able to put their views forward around areas such as the laundry service, staffing levels and provided activities. The people present were informed that planning permission had been granted to build a new home on the same site as the existing premises and a consultation would commence as soon as organisational plans and possible timescales for this work were further developed. This was naturally a source of great anxiety to some people we talked to and the provider should seek to clarify these plans as soon as possible.
Work should continue to improve opportunities for interaction and occupation as well as ensuring the consistent presence of staff in communal areas. The meetings held for relatives may benefit from the use of an independent chairperson.