Archived: Jacobs Lodge

Below is a summary of what we found. We used a number of different methods to help us understand the experiences of people using the service because the people had complex needs which meant they were not always able to tell us their experiences. During our inspection we spoke with one person who used the service, the relatives of two people and three members of staff. We observed interactions between staff and people using the service.

If you want to see the evidence supporting our summary please read our full report.

Is the service safe?

Risks to people's safety and welfare were identified and plans had been put in place to manage them.

The recruitment practice was robust. Two references, a full employment history and a Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check were carried out before staff were employed.

CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLs) which applies to care homes. We found there were proper policies and procedures in place and relevant staff had been trained to understand when an application should be made and how to submit one. The manager told us that she had identified that some DOLs applications needed to be made and she was in the process of completing these.

Is the service effective?

People's health and care needs were assessed. People and their relatives told us they received the help and support they required.

Where people lacked capacity to make decisions about their care, mental capacity assessments were carried out and documented. We found evidence that decisions in people's best interests had been documented. This meant that the service complied with the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

Is the service caring?

We spoke with one person who used the service and spoke with the relatives of two other people on the telephone. People who used the service were able to communicate with us in a limited way. Everyone said they were happy with the service and liked the staff. One relative told us '(my relative) is happy (my relative) likes the staff.'

People using the service completed an annual satisfaction survey, which showed that people were happy with their care and liked the staff.

People's preferences, interests, aspirations and diverse needs had been recorded and care and support had been provided in accordance with people's wishes.

Is the service responsive?

Relatives and staff told us they had not made a formal complaint. Some had raised concerns verbally and they felt that these had been listened to and responded to. Staff told us there were regular staff meetings and they were able to raise concerns openly during these meetings.

A trust wide staff survey had identified some issues with culture within the organisation and this was followed up with a survey specifically about culture which was being undertaken at the time of our inspection.

Is the service well-led?

The service had a quality assurance system in place which included regular audits which were carried out internally and by managers from other services operated by the same provider.

Records showed that support plans were updated regularly on each visit to the service and a full review was undertaken every six months.

The manager informed us that they had only just taken on the management of the service and were waiting for their Disclosure and Baring Service (DBS) checks to be completed before applying to become the registered manager for the service. In this report the name of a registered manager appears who was not in post and not managing the regulatory activities at this location at the time of the inspection. Their name appears because they were still a Registered Manager on our register at the time.

We looked around the home which was clean, comfortably furnished and free from unpleasant odours. All the bedrooms were single occupancy with hand basins; there was a shared bathroom, shower room and toilets. We saw that bedrooms were furnished and also had TV/DVD players. The manager advised us that people were able to bring in their own belongings to personalise their room during their stay.

We spoke with two of the people who were staying at Jacobs Lodge however we were only able to gather limited feedback. We also spoke with three staff including the manager and support coordinator and spoke to three relatives, two via the telephone and another who called in to the service. We saw staff treated people in a sensitive, respectful and professional manner.

During the visit we observed staff providing support to people with complex needs. Staff supported people to make choices, for example, about what drinks to have or what food to eat. One person who used the service told us; “I enjoy my time here. The staff let me lead my own life but are there for me when I need them”

Support workers we spoke with confirmed that they completed training and an assessment of their competence before they were able to administer medicine to people.

We were told that staff were able to obtain further relevant qualifications. One support worker we spoke with told us; "The training is very good and the manager keeps us up to date with any changes. If I come across something I am not sure of my manager gives me excellent support” The provider took account of complaints and comments to improve the service. People we spoke with told us that they were confident that any concerns raised would be "swiftly dealt with"