Conifer Lodge Residential Home

People told us they felt safe living at the service. People reported staff responded well to calls for assistance and felt staff understood their individual needs. People raised concerns that staff were not always in communal areas and due to staffing there were very limited activities available. Staff told us whilst they believed staffing levels were safe, though felt staffing could be improved upon and explained the impact of when people needed additional support. We saw people in a lounge at various times with no staff present for up to 10 minutes.

We received mixed feedback about how well staff meet people’s individual care and support needs. People also told us there were limited activities available. However, overall people felt their care needs were met. Staff demonstrated a good awareness of people’s individual care and support needs. We saw that care plans and risk assessments were up to date, detailed and reflective of peoples’ current needs. Staff and the registered manager confirmed that, on the whole, the staff team were a consistent, stable and experienced team.

Staff were clear about their roles, responsibilities and accountability. They were positive about the support they received from the management team.

The provider had systems in place to assess, monitor and mitigate risks. Some of these needed further strengthening by the provider.

We were not sufficiently assured that staff deployment and numbers were correct for people’s needs and safety. Following the assessment feedback the provider added 1 extra care staff for the late shift. For staff recruitment; there was no evidence of oversight by the registered manager or provider to ensure all required checks were clearly completed as required.

The provider’s policies reviewed showed these were in date and reflective of current best practice guidance and legislation. The registered manager and provider were open and honest during this assessment and were responsive to shortfalls identified and took immediate action.