Annandale Lodge is a residential home providing personal and nursing care for up to 24 older people with social, psychological and physical needs. It is situated in a residential area of Bedford, close to the town centre.

At the last inspection on 09 June 2015 we rated the service Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

The service had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

Without exception during our inspection we received highly positive comments about the staff and the way they cared for the people who used the service. People consistently told us they valued their relationships with the staff team and felt that they often went the 'extra mile' for them, which made them feel as though they really mattered. People were able to influence the care they received and this made them feel valued and in control of their life.

The service had a very strong, visible and person centred culture. This was reflected in discussions with the management, staff, people who used the service and relatives involved in the service and from records seen. Staff told us and we found that there was a drive from the registered manager and the provider to enable staff to provide the best possible care for people in a personalised and kind way.

The service was also caring and supportive towards the relatives of the people living in the home. Relatives told us how they were helped to understand their loved ones condition and this made them more confident in taking an active role in the care and support people received.

People told us they were safe and they liked living in Annandale Lodge. They told us their needs were met by staff employed at the service. Staff were aware of safeguarding processes and how to report any concerns to the registered manager or local safeguarding authorities.

People were involved in the development and the review of their care and support plans. Support plans were detailed and descriptive of how people wished to be supported. People were supported to take decisions about their care and be independent.

There were sufficient staff employed through robust procedures to meet people`s needs. People’s health care needs were assessed, reviewed and delivered in a way that promoted their wellbeing and improved their quality of life. People were supported to pursue their hobbies and interests.

The service promoted a culture that was open and transparent. Quality assurance systems were in place and these were used to obtain feedback, monitor performance and manage risks.

Annandale Lodge is a residential home providing personal and nursing care for up to 24 older people with social, psychological and physical needs. It is situated in a residential area of Bedford, close to the town centre.

At the last inspection on 09 June 2015 we rated the service Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

The service had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

Without exception during our inspection we received highly positive comments about the staff and the way they cared for the people who used the service. People consistently told us they valued their relationships with the staff team and felt that they often went the 'extra mile' for them, which made them feel as though they really mattered. People were able to influence the care they received and this made them feel valued and in control of their life.

The service had a very strong, visible and person centred culture. This was reflected in discussions with the management, staff, people who used the service and relatives involved in the service and from records seen. Staff told us and we found that there was a drive from the registered manager and the provider to enable staff to provide the best possible care for people in a personalised and kind way.

The service was also caring and supportive towards the relatives of the people living in the home. Relatives told us how they were helped to understand their loved ones condition and this made them more confident in taking an active role in the care and support people received.

People told us they were safe and they liked living in Annandale Lodge. They told us their needs were met by staff employed at the service. Staff were aware of safeguarding processes and how to report any concerns to the registered manager or local safeguarding authorities.

People were involved in the development and the review of their care and support plans. Support plans were detailed and descriptive of how people wished to be supported. People were supported to take decisions about their care and be independent.

There were sufficient staff employed through robust procedures to meet people`s needs. People’s health care needs were assessed, reviewed and delivered in a way that promoted their wellbeing and improved their quality of life. People were supported to pursue their hobbies and interests.

The service promoted a culture that was open and transparent. Quality assurance systems were in place and these were used to obtain feedback, monitor performance and manage risks.

When we visited Annandale Lodge on 12 August 2013, we spoke with six people about the care and support they received from staff. People told us they were happy with the home environment and the intervention they were offered. One person said, "I am happy being here and have no worries. The staff look after me well.” Another told us, "I really like being here, it’s like a family, and the staff are fantastic to me and treat me really well.”

Due to the complex needs of some people, we spent some time observing people. We found that although no formal activities were taking place, staff were interacting positively with people and supporting them to listen to music, sit in the garden or watch television. One person told us, "It's just lovely to be here.”

We spoke with four staff about their knowledge of safeguarding processes. They were able to demonstrate how they would report concerns to relevant people if this was required.

We inspected the premises and maintenance and found they were suitable for the people living at Annandale Lodge.

We reviewed training records for the home and observed staff training was generally up to date which ensured that staff had the appropriate skills and knowledge to provide care for the people they supported.

We observed the quality assurance processes within the home and noted there were appropriate systems in place to identify, assess and manage risks to the health, safety and welfare of people who use the service and others.

During our visit to Annandale Lodge on 16 January 2013, we observed a friendly, homely environment, with positive interactions between staff and residents. People looked relaxed, happy and well cared for.

We spoke with six people living in the home who told us they felt cared for and supported by staff. One person said “It’s like being in a hotel where everyone looks after you”. Another person said “The staff are very kind to me”.

We spoke with two relatives who told us they were very happy with the care provided in the home and couldn’t fault it.

We observed staff providing respectful care and support to people, and saw this was delivered in line with the care records we reviewed to meet people’s needs.

During our visit on 8 February 2012, the people we spoke with were very complimentary about the care they received. They told us the staff were kind, patient and understanding. We were told that they are able to raise any concerns and felt that they will be listened to and acted upon.

We observed staff ensuring people’s privacy and dignity was maintained especially during moving and handling procedures. People were spoken to in a quiet and respectful way.