Faldonside Lodge

Updated 17 March 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 inspection took place on 19 February 2021 and was announced.

Updated 17 March 2021

About the service

Faldonside Lodge is a residential care home providing personal care to 13 people aged 65 and over at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 15 people.

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

People received exceptionally individualised care from staff who were thoughtful, caring and accepting. The loving and warm culture of the service promoted an especially open and mutually supportive nature that built strong relationships. People told us the care delivery exceeded expectations and that people’s holistic needs were expertly met. Health professionals shared this view.

People were put at the heart of the service which worked around them, their needs and wishes. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. The service was particularly adept at meeting people’s communication needs and invested in creative approaches to this meaning people could fully express themselves.

Consistent and robust oversight, although not always on a formal basis, from the registered manager and their staff team meant high quality care was always delivered. People were involved, engaged and consulted on a regular basis. Advocates were encouraged and used as required. Staff were skilled, supported and demonstrated qualities that made people feel comfortable and cared for. No one we spoke with needed to raise any concerns but felt confident that, should they need to, the registered manager would take them seriously and do whatever was required to improve the situation.

People told us the service was safe and responsive. The professional and extremely caring attitude of the staff assured family members that their relatives were very well looked after at Faldonside Lodge. We saw that risks had been addressed and where we found minor issues the registered manager actioned these immediately. Staff had received training in appropriate subjects and used reflective practice to further improve their skills and the service. Accidents were recorded, assessed and appropriately actioned and people received their medicines as prescribed. People’s nutritional needs were met, and they had access to a wide range of health services that ensured their health and wellbeing.

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

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was good (report published 5 July 2017).

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.