Archived: Whitestone Lodge

Updated 18 October 2017

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This inspection took place on 24 August 2017 and 25 August 2017. The first day was unannounced and the second day was announced.

The inspection was undertaken by one adult social care inspector.

Before the inspection visit we reviewed the information we held about Whitestone Lodge. This included data about complaints, safeguarding concerns and statutory notifications. Statutory notifications are documents about important events that are sent to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) by the registered provider and are required by law.

We spoke with four people living at the service and two relatives. We also spoke with the registered provider, registered manager, deputy manager and four members of staff. We spoke with one visiting health and social care professional.

During our inspection we used a method called Short Observational Framework for Inspection (SOFI). This involved observing staff interactions with the people in their care. SOFI is a specific way of observing care to help us understand the experience of people who could not talk to us.

We reviewed three people's care records including care plans and risk assessments. We looked at the training and recruitment records for four members of staff and records relating to the management of the service. We checked the building to ensure it was clean, hygienic and a safe place for people to live. We contacted the local authority safeguarding and quality monitoring department who did not raise any concerns.

Updated 18 October 2017

Whitestone Lodge is a residential care home situated in the area of Roby, Liverpool. The service provides residential care for up to 20 people including people who are living with dementia. There are two floors accessed via stairways and passenger lift. At the time of our visit there were 18 people living at the service.

At the last inspection in November 2014, the service was given a rating of “Good” with one area highlighted for improvement which related to consent to care and treatment. At this inspection we found the area for improvement had been met.

People told us they felt safe living at Whitestone Lodge and were supported by staff that knew them well. One visiting relative told us “I have total peace of mind”.

The registered provider had appropriate policies and procedures in place for the management of safeguarding concerns. Staff had received training and demonstrated their understanding of abuse and actions they would take if they were concerned.

Staff recruitment procedures were safe and robust. Staff had received appropriate training and told us they were well supported. Staff demonstrated a good knowledge and understanding of the people they supported.

People told us sufficient staff were on duty at all times to meet their needs. Discussions with staff, relatives and our observations confirmed this.

Medicines were appropriately ordered, stored and administered by trained and competent staff. Medication administration records (MARs) were fully completed and signed. The registered provider regularly audited the medicines and completed actions as required.

Care plans and risk assessments were person centred and demonstrated the involvement of people and their relatives, where appropriate. These documents were reviewed and updated regularly.

The registered manager understood the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). This meant they were working within the law to support people who may lack capacity to make their own decisions.

People told us they were always offered a variety and choice of meals. Individual dietary requirements were met in accordance with people's care plans. We saw people had access to regular snacks and drinks throughout the day.

The building was well maintained, clean and free from unpleasant odours. All equipment was well maintained and regularly serviced.

People living at the home and their relatives knew how to raise a concern or complaint.

The registered provider undertook regular audits to monitor the quality of the service. The registered provider regularly sought people’s views to continually improve and develop the home.