The Lodge in Exeter, Devon, was rated outstanding for being responsive and well-led following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), on 26 & 30 September & 3 October 2019.
The safe, caring and effective categories received a score of Good.
The Lodge is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care to people with frailty, old age, dementia or needing a short time for rehabilitation following a hospital admission.
End of life care was truly exceptional. The home has recently been awarded a Gold Standards Framework Commendation and was only one of four homes nationally to achieve this.
It was evident from discussions with staff and the quality of EOLC plans that this training and framework had helped to provide excellent outcomes for people. There were many testaments to how well EOLC had been managed at the service and one stated, "The staff did everything possible to make them comfortable as the inevitable end approached. They were caring and compassionate, with strong leadership from the top. I was never made to feel a nuisance for asking questions and seeking answers. Every request was met with a positive response. The 'yes we can do that' is their creed. I would wholeheartedly recommend The Lodge for anyone seeking first class care for their loved one." Another stated "Even though we weren't with mum when she died, we know she had so much love and kindness around her. I will personally miss you all, I have considered you as part of my extended family."
The service worked in partnership with Exeter university in the study of older people. Students came in to offer their time as part of this study. One study was looking at the positive effects of poetry and creative writing and another involved measuring inter-generational interactions and comparing those interactions vis an activity session.
Residents benefited greatly from these interactions. New friendships were formed, and a clear positive impact was seen for some individuals. They benefited from hearing about the lives of young adults and friendships were developed.
