Acorn Lodge

Acorn Lodge had made considerable progress since our last inspection in August 2025. Improvements had been made and the provider was no longer in breach of legal regulations in relation to safe care and treatment, safeguarding, and good governance

Risks to people’s health were now being consistently assessed and managed. Incidents were now all reviewed, investigated and responded to appropriately. Lessons were now learned and shared with staff and if appropriate, concerns were escalated to the local safeguarding team. There had been improvements to the overall governance of the service, the registered manager had increased their oversight of people’s care records to ensure continuity and created additional audits for areas including bedrail safety. New systems of staff handovers and further details in people’s care records improved the overall monitoring of people’s health needs which lead to timely professional input.

There had been ongoing maintenance and improvements to the environment. Effective window restrictors were now in place throughout the service. Health and safety checks were completed and concerns addressed by maintenance personnel or contractors if needed.

Staff received relevant training and supervision, they told us they felt supported at the home. Staff said they felt free to speak up and described a supportive management team who would listen to any concerns they may have.

There were enough staff to support people, staff were kind and respectful. People and relatives spoke positively about staff interactions, we observed the same. Staff understood the need to gain consent from people and their right to decline. Mental capacity assessments were decision specific and where people lack capacity, care was delivered in the least restrictive way.

Staff engaged with professionals and followed their advice. Professionals spoke highly of the service and told us staff knew people very well, followed their advice and reported ongoing or new concerns appropriately.

People, relatives staff and professionals provided positive feedback about the running of the service and the registered manager. They were openly invited to share opinions and concerns which we saw were addressed promptly.

The provider and registered manager demonstrated a willingness for ongoing improvement in the service. They had responded to our previous concerns well and had engaged with external agencies and consultants to sustain improvements and continually grow.