Archived: Amber Lodge - Leeds

Updated 28 April 2018

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, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

The inspection took place on 14 February 2018 and it was unannounced. .

The inspection team consisted of one inspector, one expert-by-experience (ExE) and one bank inspector. An expert-by-experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service. In this case the ExE had experience of working with older people. At the time of inspection the service supported 36 people.

Before the inspection we reviewed the information we held about the service. This included speaking with the local authority contracts and safeguarding teams and reviewing information received from the service, such as notifications. Notifications are alerts made to the Care Quality Commission to inform us of information about events and incidents that happen in a service. We asked the provider to complete a Provider Information Return (PIR). We used information the provider sent us in the Provider Information Return as part of our planning. This is information we require providers to send us at least once annually to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.

We looked at how people were supported throughout the day with their daily routines and activities. We reviewed a range of records about people’s care and how the service was managed. We looked at four care records for people that used the service and three staff files. We spoke with eight people and 12 relatives. We also spoke with one chef, six care workers as well as the registered manager and hospitality manager. We looked at quality monitoring arrangements, rotas and other staff support documents including supervision records, team meeting minutes and individual training records.

Updated 28 April 2018

We carried out the inspection of Amber Lodge - Leeds on 14 February 2018. This was an unannounced inspection.

Amber Lodge is a 'care home'. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Amber Lodge provides accommodation and personal care for up to 40 people. The building is a two-storey purpose built home, situated in a residential area of Wortley, close to the city of Leeds. All of the bedrooms are single occupancy and have en-suite toilet facilities. Communal lounges, dining rooms and bathing facilities are provided on the two levels. It has a garden to the rear of the building and a car parking area located at the front of the building.

The home had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are 'registered persons'. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

At the last inspection in November 2016 we found the service required improvement. At this inspection we found the service had improved.

The provider and registered manager continually assessed, monitored and evaluated the quality of the service. We found audits had identified issues and actions were progressed in a timely manner.

Staff understood their responsibilities to safeguard people from harm and followed the provider's policies. People were supported to take their prescribed medicines safely. There were enough suitably skilled staff on duty to meet people's needs. Staff had been recruited using safe recruitment practices.

Staff sought people's consent before providing care and people's mental capacity was assessed in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The registered manager understood their responsibilities and referred people appropriately for assessment under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.

People received care from staff that had received training to meet people's specific needs, and had supervision to assist them to carry out their roles. People were supported to access healthcare professionals and staff were prompt in referring people to health services when required. Staff understood people's dietary needs and people received a balanced diet, which they enjoyed.

The environment and equipment was appropriately maintained and serviced when required. Adaptations to the building had been made to support people with their daily life. Staff knew about infection prevention and wore personal protective equipment when supporting people.

Staff treated people with respect and helped to maintain their dignity. People received care from staff they knew, which helped them to develop positive relationships. Staff supported people emotionally and practically to promote their independence and well-being. People knew how to make a complaint, and raised them if they wished.

Care plans were updated regularly and people and their relatives were involved in their care planning where possible. Risks to people's health and well-being were assessed and staff had followed plans that were centred on the person as an individual. People were supported to pursue their hobbies and interests and continued to celebrate special days.