Swanage Lodge

The following is CQC's published account of its assessment, published 25 June 2025. References to “we” mean CQC. It describes findings at that time.

Swanage Lodge is a ‘care home’ without nursing for up to 6 people with mental health needs. The service can also care for people with a learning disability, when this is in addition to their mental health needs. CQC regulates both the premises, and the care provided, and both were looked at during this assessment. At the time of our assessment, 3 people were living at the service. No one had a learning disability.

The assessment included an unannounced visit to the service on 3 June 2025.

The last rating for this service was good (published 14 April 2023). This assessment was conducted because concerns had been identified through complaints and safeguarding alerts. At the assessment, we found the provider had taken appropriate action to respond to these concerns and to keep people safe. The rating remains good.

At the time of our assessment, the provider was in the process of changing paper-based record keeping systems to electronic recording. Some information and records were unclear. Records relating to staff recruitment were difficult to access. Following our site visit, the provider sent us evidence of work they had completed to make improvements.

People received care which met their needs and reflected their preferences. Their needs were assessed, and they were involved in reviewing care plans. People were supported to take risks and try new things. People received their medicines safely and as prescribed.

The environment was safe and suitably maintained.

People took part in a range of appropriate activities which reflected their interests and needs.

There were effective systems for monitoring and improving the quality of the service.

We expect health and social care providers to guarantee people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices and independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ is the guidance CQC follows to make assessments and judgements about services supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people and providers must have regard to it.

We assessed whether the provider was complying with these principles, even though they were not caring for people with a learning disability at this time. We found there were effective systems to help ensure people made choices, accessed the local community and were treated fairly. The provider helped people to make plans, try new things and develop their skills and experiences.