Dale Lodge

People told us they felt safe living at the service. People were protected from the risk of abuse. Staff knew how to identify concerns if they arose and how to report concerns to the relevant authorities. There were systems in place to ensure any concerns were investigated. Where people were deprived of their liberty to help keep them safe, the appropriate authorisations were in place under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

There was enough staff to provided people with the support they needed. Staff were appropriately supervised and supported. Staff had the training they needed to undertake their role well.

Staff knew about people’s health and wellbeing risks and how to support them effectively. Staff had the guidance they needed to support people safely.

Staff were kind and caring and supported people in a positive way promoting choice and independence. People were encouraged to continue to be active where possible. Staff communicated with people before providing people with support. People were supported with choices such as where they wanted to sit and how they wanted to spend their time. People’s care plans included information on peoples preferences and what people could do for themselves.

Feedback from people and their relatives was consistently positive about how people were supported. More than one person and relative referred to the staff team as a ‘community’ or ‘family’. One person said, “Staff are caring and friendly. They are like family”. A relative told us, “There is a community of staff. If the cleaner comes in and [my relative] is anxious or upset, they talk to [them]. The maintenance [person] too”.