The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has raised the rating for Westcliff Lodge Limited from inadequate to good following an inspection in January, and removed it from special measures.
Westcliff Lodge Limited is a residential care home that provides support to older people, younger adults and people who may be living with dementia. The home provides accommodation for up to 22 people. There were 14 people using the service during this inspection.
This inspection was carried out to follow up on the progress of improvements made against previous enforcement action, which included breaches of regulations related to person-centred care, safe care and treatment, safety of premises and equipment, and management.
At this inspection, CQC found the service had made sufficient improvements and they are no longer in breach of regulations.
CQC has raised the home’s overall rating from inadequate to good, as well as for being safe and well-led. CQC has again rated effective and responsive as good, and caring remained rated as good from the previous inspection.
Hazel Roberts, CQC deputy director of adult social care in the East of England, said:
“When we returned to Westcliff Lodge Limited, we were pleased to find significant improvements had been made across the service. People told us they felt safe and well looked after by caring and supportive staff. One person told us they think staff enjoy what they are doing and are more than respectful.
“It was clear that leaders had taken meaningful action to address the concerns raised at the previous inspection. Staff transformed the environment and this was making a real difference to people's daily lives. People now have comfortable spaces to socialise in, with a dedicated lounge, activity room and dining area that have been redecorated with new furniture.
“We saw staff now deliver care in a more person-centred way. Staff updated the care plans to reflect people as individuals, and staff have received specialist training from a nationally recognised organisation on how to engage meaningfully with people. There is now a structured activity programme in place, with staff recording how people spend their time and what matters to them.
“People and their families told us they had also noticed positive changes. One relative said there had been lots of improvements. Staff also told us they felt listened to and that it was a good place to work.
“The staff and leaders at Westcliff Lodge Limited should be proud of the improvements they’ve achieved together for their residents. We’ve shared our findings with them and will continue to monitor the service to ensure these improvements to people’s care are embedded and sustained.”
Inspectors also found:
- Staff had improved end of life planning, with clear guidance on how people wished to spend the end of their life, taking into account their faith and traditions.
- Staff provided menus in both written and picture formats, and a hydration station with a large selection of drinks and a snack station with fresh fruit were well stocked in communal areas.
- Staff added signage throughout the service to help people navigate their way around more independently.
- Leaders brought in external consultants to strengthen governance and oversight, and established regular audits to monitor progress and maintain improvements.
- Staff received additional face-to-face training in safeguarding, moving and handling, and dementia care to better support people's needs.
- The registered manager had reached out to the local community to make links with faith groups and other organisations that could provide support to people living at the service.