Archived: Abbotts Lodge

The feedback we received from the people who use the service, their relatives, and support staff was generally very positive about the standard of care provided at Abbotts Lodge. A relative we met told us ' 'I know the homes not perfect and it's had its far share of problems, but I know my (loved one) and I are both very disappointed the place is closing'. Other comments we received, included - 'Its not a bad place to live', and 'I like living here' I don't really want to move out'.

Most people we met were also satisfied with the way the provider was handling the closure. A person who uses the service mentioned having lots of meetings with various people about moving out, while a relative we met told us 'there's been a lot of consultation with various professionals about the proposed closure of the home and the owners have always been very open and transparent with us about their intentions'.

People we met told us staff who worked at Abbotts Lodge 'always' treated them well and listened to what they had to say. Typical feedback, included ' 'I have been given keys for my bedroom and the front door, and can go out when I want', 'I go out a lot'I like going to college where I work in the caf' and going to the pub on the corner', 'I have a freedom pass so I can go on the bus when I want', 'I wear what I want when I get up and sometimes go shopping for new trainers with staff', and 'I can make myself a cup of tea whenever I want'.

All the people we met told us they liked most of the meals staff prepared for them at Abbotts Lodge, but most said they could not choose what they ate. Typical comments, included ' 'the foods alright here'I like most of the meals I'm given', 'I don't know what's for dinner tonight. They (staff) don't usually ask what we want, but it's usually nice', and 'the staff decide what's for dinner and make it from whatever's about in the kitchen'.

We spoke to a number of people about how effective staff were at meeting their needs and wishes. Typical feedback we received was generally very positive and included comments such as - 'I have a care plan, which staff help me write' and 'staff look after me here'It's alright here'.

We spoke to a number of people about whether or not they felt able to tell staff if they were 'unhappy' about anything in their life or had concerns about the way Abbotts Lodge was run. Overall, the feedback we received was fairly positive with everyone we met agreeing they felt able to tell the manager and staff about most things. Most people told us they felt confident staff would always listen to what they had top say and take it seriously. Typical comments, included ' 'I would talk to my keyworker if I'm not happy about something' and 'staff are very approachable here and always listen to what 'my relative' and I have to say'.

A relative we met told us support staff were particular good at 'always' keeping the place spotlessly clean and tidy. We spoke to a number of people who use the service about the way their home was decorated. The majority told us they liked the colour their bedrooms had been painted and everyone we met said they had all the furniture they needed to store their belongings in. Typical comments, included ' 'I'm happy with my bedroom', 'I don't want to move out because I like my bedroom'I've got everything I need here', and 'I chose the colour my bedroom was painted'.

A number of people who use the service told us they knew what to do if they heard the fire alarm go off and that they had participated in a fire drill recently. One individual said ' 'if I hear the fire alarm I would go out the front door as quickly as I could and wait outside with staff'.

All the people who completed our surveys told us support staff who worked at Abbotts Lodge 'always' treated them well, listened to them, and 'usually' acted upon what they had said. Typical comments people made about support staff, included - 'most of the staff are nice here', 'staff look after me'I like my keyworker', and 'the staff are very friendly and approachable'Its probably the best thing about Abbotts Lodge, which my loved one will definitely miss when 'they' move out to a more independent living accommodation'.