Linden Lodge Residential Home

At this inspection we found some improvements had been made and some governance systems had been improved, however, the safety of the service and governance were not yet fully effective because they had not identified issues we found during this inspection.

Whilst people and relatives were happy with the care and service they received, we found risks were not always well managed and staff did not always identify or act on risks of potential harm or injury. Risk assessments had not always been completed accurately. We could not always be assured actions to mitigate harm or injury to people had been taken by staff because they had not completed important records.

Some improvements had been made in some areas of the safe handling of medicines, but further improvements were needed. We could not always be assured people received their medicines as prescribed due to discrepancies in stock.

Where incidents had occurred, learning had not always taken place to reduce risks of reoccurrence. Quality checks were in place but these had not always been effective.

Improvements had been made to fire safety and people were protected from the risks of abuse.

The home was clean and tidy and systems and processes were in place to protect people from the risks of infection. Staff observed and followed infection control procedures in line with national guidance for reducing the spread of COVID-19.

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.

There were sufficient staff on shift and staff felt well supported in their roles. There was a positive culture at the home and people living there were involved in their care and able to give feedback.