The Lodge Retirement Home

The planning and provision of meaningful activities for people had improved. One person told us, "[Staff name] has made all the difference for me with the activities. There is lots to do in the afternoons, we have lots of different projects." Another commented, "There is enough to do here at the home. They organise things for you."

People told us they were safe at The Lodge Retirement Home and risks were managed well. A person told us, "I feel safe at the Lodge. I trust the staff here, they are very good, lovely actually, more like family." Medicines were managed, stored and administered safely. The home had recently moved medicines into each person's bedroom. One staff member stated, "Medication being in the room makes it more personalised. You aren't going around with a trolley and less likely to make an error, the pharmacy supported us to make this change."

Care plans and risk assessments were person centred. People and relatives told us staff knew them well. Staff supported people in a kind and compassionate way, considering their dignity and respect.

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, relatives and staff spoke positively of the culture within the home. One person told us, "Staff here are lovely, they are just like your family, you feel as though you can talk to them about anything." Staff and relatives we spoke with all described the home as a "family". The registered manager told us, "The Lodge is a hidden gem, you may not know it's here but once you come in, you're hooked".

The home was following up to date government guidance relating to COVID-19 for care homes. Cleaning and infection control procedures followed the relevant COVID-19 guidance to help protect people, visitors and staff from the risk of infection.