Field Lodge wins approval of national care inspectors

Home news

Sep 05, 2017

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

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

The home received ‘good’ ratings in four categories, including safety, effectiveness, level of care, and having a well-led service, as well as achieving an outstanding rating for responsiveness.

Praise was given for the care that each team member showed towards the residents, and it was noted they had warm, caring and respectful relationships with each other. Team members were found to be very attentive to residents and there was lots of cheerful conversation throughout the day. One resident commented “Team members always come and speak nicely to me. You get the feeling they are pleased to be in your company.”

It was noted that team members invested a lot of time in each resident, and spent time getting to know and understand them from their very first day. Life history books which contained details of residents’ hobbies and interests had also been created. A relative added: "The diligence of the team is outstanding. They spend time really getting to know the residents and trying to really understand their needs. And everything is as flexible as possible."

Katie Wilkinson, home manager at Field Lodge, said: “We strive to create a welcoming home from home feel at Field 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 residents’ lives each and every day.

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

Care was planned for each resident based on their expressed wishes, likes and dislikes, and was completed in partnership with the resident, their relatives and health and social care professionals. One relative commented: “The care plan is so detailed and you understand my relative’s needs so well.” Each resident’s report also included a list of 'Things that are important to me', to prompt team members to remember these important details.

During the visit, inspectors observed that the activity coordinator took the time to get to know each resident and used life story books to arrange a weekly activities programme that would appeal to residents. A ‘wishing tree’ had also been installed at the home to allow residents to suggest activities. So far residents had been enabled to go on trips to a local stable, Cadbury World, and take part a rickshaw ride, all of which had been enjoyed by the participants.

The report noted that residents were supported and encouraged to develop relationships with others living at the home. One resident had made a friend living on the floor below and would visit them each morning to help turn the pages of their newspaper. It was also observed that the home was very much part of the community, and trips to local markets and church services were held regularly.

It was highlighted that the design of the building supported residents to lead full and interesting lives. Spaces such as the indoor garden, café, cinema, and old-fashioned shop were all well used by residents, and chickens had been housed in the garden which many residents enjoyed visiting throughout the day.

Inspectors noted that one resident found evenings difficult, so the home manager had enabled a team member to spend each evening with them doing activities such as playing pool, darts or football. Additionally, at meal times, a healthcare professional commented that team members go “above and beyond” in catering to residents’ needs and requirements, while always taking into consideration residents’ preferences.

To assess service standards at Field 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.