About the service:

Heath Lodge Care Services Limited provides care and support to people living in a setting called 'extra care' housing. Extra care housing is purpose-built or adapted single household accommodation in a shared site or building. The accommodation is bought or rented, and is the occupant's own home. People's care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. Heath Lodge Care Services Limited also provided and organised activities for people. The development had communal areas such as a lounge, restaurant and hairdressers which people could use.

We found the service met the characteristics of a "Good" rating in all areas; more information is available in the full report.

People’s experience of using this service:

• People told us they received safe care. They were supported by consistent and suitably trained staff. People received support to take their medicines safely and as prescribed. Risks to people's well-being and environmental safety were recorded and updated when the circumstances changed. The lessons were learnt where appropriate to improve the service further.

• People's rights to make their own decisions were respected. They were supported to access health services if needed. People's dietary needs were assessed and where required people were supported with their meals.

• People received caring and compassionate support from the staff. The management team led by example and staff referred to people in a caring way. People were complimentary about staff and about positive, caring relationships they were able to form with the staff. Staff respected people's privacy and dignity and people were supported to be as independent as possible.

• Care plans contained person-centred details about people's relationships and how they would like their support provided. People were reminded about upcoming events and supported to attend these. People knew how to complain and told us where they raised concerns the management acted promptly to address these.

• The service was well-led by a dedicated management team who demonstrated compassion and commitment to the needs of the people who used the service as well as the staff who worked for them. The management team worked professionally with agencies outside of the service and ensured a transparent, honest and open approach to their work which was valued by others. The provider had a quality assurance system in place and there was a focus on further development.

Rating at last inspection:

This service was registered by Care Quality Commission (CQC) on 8 February 2018. New services are assessed to check they are likely to be safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. This was their first inspection visit.

Why we inspected:

This was a planned a comprehensive inspection that was scheduled to take place in line with CQC scheduling guidelines for adult social care services.

Follow up:

We will review the service in line with our methodology for 'Good' services.