Care home staff praised in report from industry watchdog

PRAISE has been heaped on staff at a Derbyshire care home following an unannounced inspection from industry regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Inspectors spoke to more than a dozen residents, relatives, staff members and visiting professionals during their two-day visit to Longmoor Lodge Care Home, on Longmoor Lane, Sandiacre.

One relative told inspectors: “The care is brilliant.” Another said: “The staff have been wonderful and caring to [Person]. When they returned from hospital on their birthday the staff had a birthday cake ready for them and made a fuss.”

A resident living at the home said: “The staff are lovely, we have a laugh with them.”

A visiting professional had similar sentiments, stating: “I see no challenges as it relates to care, the staff team are brilliant.”

In the inspection report, which awarded the home an overall rating of “Good”, inspectors wrote: “People were treated with respect, kindness and patience by staff.”

Staff members were quoted as saying: “It is important to remember that you are in their home, you have to make it happen.” and “It should be a home from home, it’s about dignity and respect. We should be cheerful and provide person-centred care.”

Another added: “I like to read the ‘about my life’ section of the care plan and find them useful, they tend to tell me a lot about the person.”

The inspection report noted: “People’s rooms were personalised with their keepsakes. Bedroom doors were brightly coloured and had name plates to aid people to identify their room.

“People had access to a range of activities and projects. We observed both individual and one-to-one activities going on throughout our time at the service including arts and crafts, dancing and people enjoying a jigsaw puzzle with staff.

“Staff were creative in arranging activities people would enjoy. A bird-watching project was underway and a community coffee morning had been developed to encourage visitors to come to the service. People had outings to go to the local village for fish and chips and films were shown in the cinema lounge.

“People living with dementia were provided with sensory items to help in the reduction of anxiety. We observed the use of an electronic pet cat during a meal, which assisted a person to remain seated for a meal whilst they interacted with the cat. Other people interacted with dolls and woven activity “twiddle muffs” with buttons, ribbons and bells for people to hold and touch.”

Mandy Vernon, operations director for the Hill Care Group, which operates Longmoor Lodge Care Home, said: “We are delighted with our latest inspection report and “Good” rating from the Care Quality Commission.

“The report reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff, ensuring our residents have a safe, caring and enjoyable place to live.”