Aarandale Lodge

Updated 18 February 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 care homes with outbreaks of coronavirus, we are conducting reviews to ensure that the Infection Prevention and Control practice was safe and the service was compliant with IPC measures. This was a targeted inspection looking at the IPC practices the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 20 January 2021 and was unannounced.

Updated 18 February 2021

About the service

Aarandale Lodge is a residential care home providing personal care without nursing for up to 20 people some of whom maybe living with dementia. At the time of inspection 19 people were using the service. The service is set over two floors in a residential area.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

One person said, “I love it here, it is a really nice place.” Another person said, “Of course I would rather be at home, but actually I like it here, I have everything I need.”

Care and treatment were planned and delivered in a way that was intended to ensure people's safety and welfare. There were systems in place to minimise the risk of infection and to learn lessons from accidents and incidents.

Staff were recruited and employed after appropriate checks had been completed. People’s needs were met by enough numbers of staff. Medication was dispensed by staff who had received training to do so.

People were cared for and supported by staff who had received the appropriate training.

The registered manager had a good understanding of their responsibilities in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service support this practice.

People were supported to eat and drink enough to ensure they maintained a balanced diet and referrals to other health professionals were made when required. The environment was well maintained and suitable for the needs of people.

Staff cared for people in an empathetic and kind manner. Staff had a good understanding of people’s preferences of care.

People and their relatives were involved in the planning and review of their care. Care plans were reviewed on a regular basis. People were supported to follow their interests and participate in social activities. The registered manager responded to complaints received in a timely manner. People were supported at the end of their life.

The registered manager had systems in place to monitor and provide good care and these were reviewed on a regular basis.

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was Good. (last report published 3 February 2017).

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk