24 October 2023
During an inspection looking at part of the service
There were two registered managers working at the home. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the CQC 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.
The service provided safe care to people. People looked at ease and comfortable in the company of staff and with each other. For example, they said, “Coming here saved my life”, “I can’t fault this place” and “I would recommend here without hesitation.” Visitors agreed with their relatives’ feedback. For example, they said, “They are very caring and the home is run in a safe a competent manner” and “The staff are approachable and friendly and they relate well to our relative. There appears to be good retention of care staff. The home is bright, clean and welcoming.”
People felt safe because there were enough staff on duty who knew how to support them. Staff were trained in safeguarding. Staff knew people well; staff worked well as a team and ensured there was a good exchange of communication which benefited people living at Lakeside Care Home.
The registered managers took the complexity of the care needs of people already living at the home into account before deciding if they could meet the care needs of new people. Where appropriate, care records identified risks in relation to falls, nutrition or pressure care.
The environment and equipment were well maintained to keep people and staff safe. The home was clean, tidy and free from persistent odours. There was on-going investment in the environment of the home, as well as the outdoor space. Visitors and people living at the home commented positively on the standard of cleanliness. Medicines were administered and managed safely.
Recruitment checks helped ensure staff were suitable to support people. People and relatives commented on the calibre of care and the welcoming atmosphere. Staff said they enjoyed working at the home, for example, they said, “Efficient team of carers, very friendly management, peaceful atmosphere to work.”
Staff provided personalised care because they knew people well. This was confirmed by feedback from people and relatives, as well as our observations of staff interactions with people.
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.
People's quality of life was enhanced because the care home was well run by two approachable registered managers whose skills complimented each other. They sought feedback from people living, visiting and working at the home and records showed how they acted upon people’s responses. There were effective quality assurance systems in place to monitor the standard of care.