Shakti Lodge

The provider had quality assurance processes in place to monitor the quality of care. These systems identified if there were any shortfalls within the service and what actions had been taken to resolve the issues. However, actions taken were not always consistently implemented and therefore some issues remained unresolved. We have made a recommendation about this.

At the last inspection, we found that medicines were not always managed safely. At this inspection several issues had been addressed, however there were still some shortfalls. We found topical medicine administration records had not been completed and liquid medicines did not have dates when they had been opened. We have made a recommendation about this.

Since the last inspection, fire safety checks for 2019 and 2020 found several areas of improvement that were needed to maintain people's safety. Actions had been taken by the provider, however there continued to be several issues with fire safety. We referred our findings onto Kent Fire and Rescue service (KFRS). Following the inspection, the operations manager gave assurances all fire safety works were met which was validated by an inspection from KFRS.

People told us they felt safe living at the service. Staff safeguarded people from potential abuse and felt confident any concerns raised about a person or their care, would be acted on by the management. There was a system for the recording and review of accidents and incidents and appropriate referrals for support from other professionals was sought where necessary.

Staff knew people's personal risks and how best to support them safely. Positive risk taking was managed safely by the service to support people to be as independent as they wanted. 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 enough staff employed by the service to meet people's needs. The service appeared clean and tidy. Risk of infection was being prevented and controlled and COVID-19 risk management and safe practice guidance was being followed by the provider.

Feedback from people living at the service, relatives and staff was positive about the care and management. People appeared happy and engaged. Staff told us they felt valued and supported by the registered manager.

The provider was aware of their regulatory requirements and these were met. The registered manager worked in partnership with other agencies and health care professionals to achieve good outcomes for people.