Aquarius Lodge

Updated 9 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 12 February 2021 and was announced.

Updated 9 March 2021

People’s experience of using this service:

The provider had implemented new quality monitoring systems and checks which was identifying some shortfalls. However, the registered manager did not record their checks, and this was not identified by the provider as a shortfall. We found that this was an area for improvement.

here was a warm and welcoming atmosphere at Aquarius Lodge. Every person we spoke to told us that they enjoyed living at Aquarius Lodge; people felt safe and that staff were caring and respectful.

People decided how they wanted to be supported and felt comfortable raising any concerns or ideas for activities or for improving the quality of the service in various reviews, resident's meetings and annual questionnaires. People told us that staff respected their decisions and dignity. We observed staff knocking on people's doors before entering and explaining to people what they were doing and why.

People were kept safe from harm and abuse. Staff had appropriate training and risks to people were assessed and mitigated. 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 supported this practice. Staff had a good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and what it meant for people.

People were encouraged to live healthy, independent lives as far as possible. Staff encouraged people to do as much as possible for themselves, to maintain mobility and independence. Healthy eating was promoted, and people praised the variety, flexibility and quality of food offered at the service. When people were un-well or their behaviour changed, this was identified and acted quickly upon by staff. People told us that staff were quick to respond if they rang their call bell and they received medical assistance as and when they needed it.

People received their medicines on time and had access to 'as needed' medicines such as; cold and cough medicines.

There were enough staff to support people, and staff had appropriate training to provide people with the right care and support. Staff worked closely together and felt supported and valued by the registered manager.

The premises had undergone a significant refurbishment programme since the last inspection. As a result, the premises now smelt odour free and looked clean and well-maintained. People had a choice of how they wanted their rooms to be decorated, and staff had brought new bed linen and towels to match the new colour scheme.

People's care plans were up-to-date and contained people's life histories and preferences. However, the records were often confusing to read. We discussed this with the registered manager and they accepted that this was an area for improvement to be followed up on the next inspection.

More information in Detailed Findings below.

About the service:

Aquarius 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. Aquarius Lodge is a privately-owned service providing care for up to 17 people. At the time of inspection there were 15 people living there.

Rating at last inspection:

Requires Improvement (report published 17 January 2018)

Why we inspected:

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating. Following the last inspection, we asked the provider to complete an action plan to show what they would do and by when to improve the key question(s); safe care and treatment, good governance and premises and equipment to at least good. Since this inspection, the provider and registered manager had actioned their plan, as a result the service is no longer in breach and we have rated the service good.

Follow up:

We will continue to monitor the service through the information we receive. We will follow up on identified areas for improvement at the next scheduled inspection.

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