Martham Lodge is a residential home that provides care, support and accommodation for up to 20 older people, some of whom may be living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 20 people living in the home.

The service had a registered manager in post. 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.

People lived in a safe environment. Staff knew how to recognise signs of possible abuse and knew the correct procedures for reporting concerns. In addition, there were enough well trained staff to support people. Appropriate recruitment checks were carried out before staff began working in the home. The premises were well maintained and any safety issues were rectified promptly.

Identified risks to people’s safety were recorded on an individual basis and there was guidance for staff to be able to know how to support people safely and effectively.

Medicines were managed and administered safely in the home and people received their medicines as prescribed.

People were supported effectively by staff who were skilled and knowledgeable in their work and all new members of staff completed an induction. Staff were supported well by the manager and the provider.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is required by law to monitor the operation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), and to report on what we find. The manager and staff understood the MCA and ensured that consent to care and treatment was sought in line with legislation and guidance.

People had enough to eat and drink and enjoyed their meals. When needed, people’s intake of food and drinks was monitored and recorded. Prompt action and timely referrals were made to relevant healthcare professionals, when any needs or concerns were identified.

Staff in the home were caring and attentive. People were treated with respect and staff preserved people’s dignity. Visitors were welcomed and people who lived in the home were encouraged and supported to be as independent as possible. People were also supported to follow pastimes or hobbies of their choice.

Assessments were completed prior to admission, to ensure people’s needs could be met. People were involved in planning their care and received care and support that was individual to their needs. Risk assessments detailed what action was required or needed to be carried out to remove or minimise any identified risks.

People and their families and friends were able to voice their concerns or make a complaint if they felt they needed to. People were listened to and appropriate responses and action were taken.

The service was well run and people’s needs were being met appropriately. Communication between the management team, staff, people living in the home and visitors was frequent and effective.

There were a number of systems in place to monitor the quality of the service. Regular audits were also carried out by the provider, in order to identify any areas that needed improvement.