Ferndale Lodge

Ferndale Lodge is registered to provide personal care for up to eight people with learning disabilities and other complex health needs. The home is a single storey, purpose built building with a secure garden. There are eight private bedrooms with en-suite facilities, a communal bathroom, kitchen/dining room, lounge and sensory room. On the day of inspection there were eight people living at the home.

The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.

At our last inspection the service was rated Good overall and Outstanding in effective. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of Good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and on going monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

Sufficient numbers of staff were deployed in order to provide safe care and treatment. Staff understood how to keep people safe and knew how to raise concerns. Risks had been assessed and recorded. People were protected from harm without restricting freedom.

Medicines were managed and stored safely. People were supported to have access to healthcare services.

Staff received appropriate induction and training to ensure they had the knowledge and skills to provide effective care. Staff received annual appraisals. Two members of staff had missed their scheduled supervision dates and these had not been rebooked.

Recruitment processes were in place. An employment reference had not been appropriately reviewed.

Food and drink was tailored to people's individual needs. Staff supported people appropriately to maintain their hydration and nutritional needs where required.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

Positive relationships between staff and people who lived at Ferndale Lodge were evident. People's

independence was promoted well by staff who understood how to maximise their independence.

There was clear evidence of person-centred care. People were involved in activities based upon their established routines and preferences. Care records contained very detailed information on how to support people.

Staff had clear direction and were sure about their roles and responsibilities. Systems and processes for ensuring the quality of the service were securely and effectively in place.

The service was led by an enthusiastic registered manager who was visible in the service and communication was open, honest and transparent.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found