Elizabeth Lodge wins approval of national care inspectors

Home news

Feb 03, 2017

A national care watchdog has given Elizabeth Lodge the seal of approval, with relatives and residents praising its kind and caring team members.

The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) report gave Elizabeth Lodge care home an overall ‘good’ rating, following an unannounced inspection.

To assess service standards at Elizabeth Lodge, the CQC’s inspector spoke with team members, residents and their visiting relatives on the day of the inspection. They also reviewed the records and procedures already in place at the care home.

The inspectors highlighted that residents felt safe and were happy with the care they received. The report observed that the Care UK team were highly regarded by family members. One relative commented: "They try very hard and are very caring.” Another relative said: “They are very helpful.”

The report noted that residents were treated with kindness and compassion, with interactions between the Care UK team, residents and family members described as positive. Inspectors noted that the Care UK team were responsive and attentive to resident’s needs.

The inspectors added that Elizabeth Lodge implemented a detailed, person-centred approach to care plans. Residents’ were free to spend their recreational time as they chose and socialising with other residents in the home was encouraged. The report observed that there were a number of positive relationships and friendships among the residents.

The report also referenced that life history books which have been introduced at the care home. The books include information about the resident’s background and hobbies, as well as key memories that are significant to them. The books provide invaluable information, helping the care team learn about the life histories of residents.

Recognition plaques were awarded when residents had been living at the home for five years or more. The plaques were placed on the residents’ doors and noted their name, the date they moved into the home and a key characteristic of the person. Inspectors found this to be extremely indicative of person-centred care and validated the fact that Elizabeth Lodge was their home.

Inspectors also noted that the interactions between the residents’ and Elizabeth Lodge’s chef were particularly warm and jovial, and positive relationships had been established during meal times. The chef prepared two demonstration meals ahead of dining times so that residents were offered a visual choice. Inspectors also noted that the chef took the time to communicate with residents and listen to their feedback on meals.

Donna Cousins, home manager at Elizabeth Lodge, said: “We strive to create a welcoming home from home at Elizabeth Lodge and I’m so pleased our efforts have been recognised by the CQC’s inspectors. Everyone here works incredibly hard to support residents with compassionate, person-centred care, and to be rated ‘good’ shows just how committed the team is to making a positive difference to resident’s lives each and every day.

“I’m extremely proud of our team and I would like to take say thank you for their hard work and dedication, which I know is also greatly appreciated by residents and their families.”