Willett Lodge

The following is CQC's published account of its assessment, published 24 January 2025. References to “we” mean CQC. It describes findings at that time.

Date of Assessment: 4 to 17 December 2024. Willett Lodge is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care to older people and people living with dementia. The service had made improvements and is no longer in breach of regulations. Risks to people’s health were now managed well, people at risk of choking were now being supported safely. The environment was now more accessible to people living with dementia and their bedrooms were now more homely. Staff were safely recruited, trained, and regularly supervised. People now received their medicines safely, staff administered and documented medicines in line with current guidance. Staff protected people from the risk of harm or abuse by following the provider’s policies. The service was clean and staff used personal protective equipment appropriately. There was an ongoing maintenance plan in place and equipment was regularly checked and serviced. Health and social care professional involvement was sought when needed, staff followed advice and provided feedback to professionals. People were enabled to access appointments to suit their needs. People were supported by a staffing team who knew them well. Staff understood people’s communication methods which were now clearly documented in care plans. People now enjoyed a programme of activities including going out, entertainment and activities run by staff. Mental capacity assessments were now completed and best interests decisions were made with people’s legal representatives and relevant professionals. The service was run by a committed registered manager and management team. Improvements were made and quality assurance processes now provided the management team a good oversight of the service. The registered manager mostly understood their regulatory responsibilities; however, they had not always submitted statutory notifications to CQC in respect of allegations of abuse. The registered manager addressed this during our assessment.