Downshaw Lodge

Updated 3 October 2024

This assessment began on 16 October 2024 and was concluded on 25 November 2024. Downshaw Lodge is a care home providing personal and nursing care. The service provides support for up to 44 male adults with a range of needs, some of whom live with dementia and, as a result of their illness, may present with behaviours that challenge. At the time of our inspection there were 37 people using the service. The assessment was completed due to information of concern received about the management of nutritional risk to people and the quality of records maintained in relation to people’s care and support and the management and oversight of the service. All the quality statements were reviewed as part of this assessment. We found 5 breaches of legal regulation in person centred care, safe care and treatment, the environment, staffing, and governance systems. Downshaw Lodge is being managed by Administrators. It was acknowledged by managers a number of improvements are required across the service. More robust governance systems were needed to help provide better oversight and drive improvement. Staff spoken with were aware of the current position in relation to the ownership of the home. Whilst this had impacted on morale, staff spoke positively about working at the home. Managers were working with the local authority to address recent safeguarding concerns. Effective systems to lawfully deprive people of their liberty were not in place ensuring their rights were protected. Care records and risk assessments were not always accurate and kept up to date enabling staff to effectively monitor and quickly recognise changing needs. Records were not personalised and lacked evidence of people’s involvement. However, we found people had access to necessary healthcare support. Medicines were not consistently managed in a safe way. We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.

Updated 3 October 2024

We spoke with 4 people who use the service and the relatives of 5 people. People we spoke with said they were generally happy with their care. Staff were described as kind and caring. Interactions between people, their relatives and staff were polite and friendly. However, there was a mixed response in relation to the skills and competence of some staff. From our observations we found aspects of people’s care and support did not meet the expected standards. Some people looked unkempt and spent a lot of time sleeping with little engagement from staff. Activities were provided both in and outside the home. Activity staff acknowledged it was difficult to engage some people due to their individual needs. Additional training and access to equipment for people living with dementia and sensory needs would help to improve people’s overall well-being. People were offered a choice of meals. The chef was aware of people’s dietary needs and any weight issues. We saw people’s hands were cleaned prior to eating and condiments being offered. However, staff did not always address people when carrying out task such as placing clothes protectors on, standing over people when assisting with meal or asking what drink people would like.