2 January 2019
During a routine inspection
People felt safe at the home. They said the quality of the care, the presence of staff, and the environment made them feel safe. The home was well-staffed and the staff responded quickly if people used their call bells. People said they had their medicines safely and at the right time. All areas of the home were clean and fresh.
People were assessed before they came to the home to ensure staff could meet their needs. The staff were skilled and experienced. We saw staff assist people in communal areas and this was always done gently and efficiently. At lunch time people were seen to enjoy their meals at their own pace. Staff assisted people who needed support to eat. People told us they had good access to healthcare services. A visiting healthcare professional said people’s healthcare needs were met at the home. The premises were well-maintained and suitable for their purpose. People chose the décor for their own bedrooms which were personalised to suit their individual tastes.
People told us the staff were ‘marvellous’, ‘very caring’ and ‘approachable and professional’. We saw many examples of staff interacting with people in a friendly manner. People told us that if they were ever worried or upset staff comforted them. The routine in the home was relaxed and flexible to meet people’s needs. People said staff consulted them about getting up and going to bed times and when they wanted their meals. People were encouraged to remain independent. Visitors were made welcome at the home at any time.
Staff knew people well and were knowledgeable about their needs. Care plans included clear instructions to staff on how to support people in the way they wanted. People had access to a wide range of one-to-one and group activities. We saw people taking part in a game of seated bowls and an armchair exercise class. People said they also enjoyed the home's visiting entertainers, coach trips, and the religious services held at the home.
People told us the home provided high-quality care and said they would recommend it to others. The home had an open and friendly culture and people said the registered manager and deputy were helpful and accessible. People shared their experiences of the home at residents’ meetings and their suggestions were acted on. For example, tea urns and a bird table were purchased at their request. The home had links with organisations in the community to support staff in meeting people’s care and social needs including dementia services, a nursery school, and local churches.
More Information is in the detailed findings below.
Rating at last inspection: Good (report published on 26 May 2016)
About the service: Egerton Lodge is a care home that provides accommodation for up to 46 older people with dementia, mental health, physical disability and old age. The home is not registered to provide nursing care. At the time of our inspection there were 43 people using the service.
Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection.
Follow up: We will continue to monitor the service through information we receive until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.