Middleton Lodge

The following is CQC's published account of its assessment, published 8 August 2024. References to “we” mean CQC. It describes findings at that time.

Middleton Lodge is a care home providing care and accommodation to people with autism and a learning disability. People live in a bungalow in its own grounds. The service is registered to support a maximum of 10 people. At the time of the inspection there were 7 people using the service. We have assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. At the last inspection in July 2023 we rated this service inadequate and found 3 breaches of regulation. At this assessment we found the service had driven improvement across all areas and all breaches of regulation were now met. The environment had improved so people could access a new kitchen area, decorating had been completed and the garden made more accessible and enjoyable for people. We saw medicines were now administered safely and support plans for people included all their current needs and recorded how people wished to be supported. The staff team had remained consistent and they told us with pride about improvements, their training and how the service was now well-led. We observed people appeared happy, well dressed and cared for. People were supported with their health and care needs and the registered manager was committed to ensuring people received appropriate care and supported when they needed it. They had built strong relationships with health and social care professionals, who were complimentary of their approach. The management team had created a robust governance system, which rapidly identified the smallest of issue.