The White Lodge

The White Lodge accommodates up to 80 people across three separate floors, known as communities, each of which has separate adapted facilities. One community specialises in providing care to people living with dementia.

People's medicines were administered, stored and managed safely. There were appropriate systems in place to check and monitor medicines closely, regular audits took place. The pharmacy had undertaken their own audit and the home GP undertook regular reviews of people's prescribed medicines.

Staff were recruited safely. People were supported by staff who had access to training to fully equip them with the skills and knowledge to meet their needs. Staff were well supported through one to one supervision, appraisal, induction and a leadership 'open door' policy.

People and their relatives told us the staff were caring and they were well looked after. We observed and heard many kind and compassionate interactions between staff and the people they were supporting. Staff were gentle and patient and treated people with dignity and respect.

Staff sought people's consent prior to undertaking any support or assistance. Staff had knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and associated Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). People were offered choices of what to do, where to go, what they would like and were encouraged to do things for themselves where able.

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.

Care plans were person centred and included people's likes dislikes and tasks they were able to undertake independently. Care plans were reviewed regularly. People had access to community and specialist health and social services such as the home GP, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists.

People had access to plenty of pass-times, interests and activities. These included a social café, outside

events such as the Summer fete, games and clubs. There were extensive accessible outside grounds with wildlife, where people could sit or walk around the perimeter.

The White Lodge had a registered manager who had made significant improvements to the running of the service and the quality of people's lives. An effective leadership team meant people, their relatives and staff were fully supported and were happy with the standards of care.