Express & Star

Aspen Lodge Residential Care Home rated 'good' by inspectors

A care home has been rated ‘Good’ by inspectors who found it was safe, responsive, caring and well-led.

Published
Inspectors praised the home which cares for 21 people with dementia, mental health conditions or physical disabilities

Aspen Lodge Residential Care Home, based on Upper Zoar Street in the Merridale area of Wolverhampton, cares for 21 people with dementia, mental health conditions or physical disabilities.

Inspectors visited on June 9 and 15 with the report of their findings published on July 20.

The report said: “Staff adopted a caring approach towards their work, and knew people well. People’s involvement in decisions that affected them was actively encouraged. People’s rights to privacy and dignity were understood and promoted.”

It continued to state that: “People received personalised care and support. Care plans included details of people’s personal histories and preferences, and staff referred to these. People and their relatives knew how to complain to the provider about the service provided.”

The home was found to be caring, with inspectors stating that: “Staff treated people with kindness and compassion. People’s contribution to care planning and other decision-making that affected them was encouraged. Staff promoted people’s rights to privacy and dignity.”

People also received care and support shaped around their individual needs. They had support to spend time doing things they found interesting and enjoyable.

Inspectors also praised the management team. The report said: “The management team encouraged open communication with people, their relatives and staff. Staff felt well supported by an approachable management team.”

However, the care home was found to be ‘requiring improvement’ in being effective.The report said: “People’s rights under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 were not always promoted.” This means that “significant decisions about people’s care were not always reached and recorded in line with the requirements.”

The report continued: “This included decisions about people’s medicines and the sharing of their personal information.”

But, inspectors did find that people were supported by staff who had the necessary training and support to fulfil their duties.

Bal Bisla, registered manager and owner said: “This was a very thorough and fair process which we enjoyed even though it was intense. Obviously, no manager wants to see a ‘require improvement’ in any area, but we have had discussions with CQC and taken on board what they have said to move forward.”