Wolverhampton care home struggled after manager moved

Oxley Lodge in Stafford Road has now been given notice to improve by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following a visit in November.

The inspectors said activities and support for hobbies to stimulate residents had declined following the manager's departure two months earlier as the activities co-ordinator had been assisting the deputy manager in the office with administration duties.

The home was judged 'good' in three of the five key areas but was given an overall 'requires improvement' rating because of the failings.

Oxley Lodge, run by Aplin Care homes, provides care and accommodation for up to 58 people, with 51 in residence at the time of the visit.

The inspectors spoke to nine people who use the service and six relatives, as well as staff. In their report, they wrote: "One relative told us that while the deputy manager was 'doing their best', the lack of management had meant the service was 'just plodding along'."

The inspectors found one of the lounges had an 'unpleasant odour' and that areas of the carpet were sticky and said this should have been picked up through management checks.

Otherwise, the inspectors were positive about the stand-in leader, noting everyone spoken to about the management told them they found the deputy manager approachable and responsive to their requests, and staff said they felt supported.

It was recognised a new manager had been recruited, due to start in December, and aspects of care that had been lacking would be resolved.

New manager Anita Hughes said: "I am now in charge at Oxley Lodge and everything should be good and back to normal when the inspectors next visit."