Lancaster House

Lancaster House accommodates people in a large adapted building. One part of the service was self- contained and accommodated people who were living with dementia or an enduring mental health condition. There were pleasant and secure garden areas for people tom enjoy.

Medicines were mostly very well managed and clearly recorded, although we found one stocktaking error. Staff understanding of safeguarding was good and they knew their responsibilities. There were enough staff and they were recruited safely. Risks were well managed and regular health and safety checks were in place.

The environment was suitable for people's needs. Staff were well trained and induction and support for new staff was good. People's needs related to their mental and physical health were well managed and there was good liaison with other professionals. People enjoyed their food and kitchen staff were clear about people's dietary needs. Consent was well managed, and the registered manager acted as a good advocate to make sure people's rights were upheld.

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.

Staff were kind and caring towards the people who used the service and their relatives. They promoted people's independence and upheld their dignity. People who used the service were included in decisions about their care and played an active role in their local community if they wished to.

Care was person centred. The service enabled people to follow their own hobbies and interests. People living with dementia had opportunities to take part in sensory and imaginative activities. End of life care was well managed, and staff had received training to enhance their skills in this area. There was a complaints procedure in place and complaints had been responded to promptly and fully.

There was strong leadership from the registered manager. They had also begun to delegate some tasks to key staff and develop their skills. There was very good oversight of health, safety and welfare and action was taken if patterns or trends were identified.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk