Lime Lodge

Lime Lodge is registered to accommodate up to nine people in one adapted building. People living at the service had a learning disability and / or autism. At the time of our inspection, seven people were living at the service. Accommodation is provided over two floors and within the grounds of the service.

Right Support People were not always supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff did not always support them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service did not always support the best practice. Improvements were required in how people were involved in their care and treatment that maximised their choice, control, and independence. People's independence was not always sufficiently promoted and there were limited opportunities to engage in meaningful activities based on people's interest and hobbies. Risk assessments and support plans review and monitoring needed improvement. Risks in relation to the environment and infection prevention control had not been fully assessed and mitigated. Medicines management processes did not follow best practice guidance. People who lacked capacity to make certain decisions for themselves or had fluctuating capacity did not have their mental capacity assessments regularly reviewed to ensure the decisions made by staff on their behalf were in line with the law and supported by effective staff training and supervision. The examples of menus we saw did not consistently promote healthy, varied diet. We did not find evidence of staff supporting people to be involved in preparing and cooking their own meals in their preferred way. Access to the kitchen was restricted by a pad lock which did not promote people's independence. People's cultural preferences in regard to diet were respected. People were referred to health care professionals to support their wellbeing, however the updates and guidance from the professionals was not always recorded and we could not be assured if all the staff were aware of the guidance. The interior and decoration of the service was not fully adapted in line with good practice to meet people's sensory needs. People's care and support was not always provided in a clean and hygienic environment. People personalised their rooms and were included in decisions relating to their own room's decoration.