Watchdog says Lifestyles care home is doing better

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) says staff at Lifestyles, in Wentworth Road, Scarcroft Hill, were 'kind and attentive' and showed patience and gave encouragement to residents.

It said in a report that care plans and risk assessments were in place to help ensure people’s safety and welfare, and records were stored securely so that information remained confidential.

"Since our last visit, the service had reviewed records and systems to ensure the care being delivered was appropriate for those who lived there," it said.

"They had responded to advice from other professionals including the local authority and had developed the service that people received."

The report said that residents' comments to inspectors had included: “The staff here are the best I have ever had" and "The staff do anything. We have fun here, it's like one big family."

The CQC said the service worked well with other agencies and services to make sure people received their care in a joined up way. "Staff confirmed that the management were supportive."

It said the home had appropriate arrangements in place for gaining people’s consent. "People’s health and care needs were assessed with them, and they were involved in decisions regarding their plans of care."

The same watchdog claimed last year that Lifestyles had been failing to protect residents from possible abuse and had also been imposing “‘potentially oppressive” restrictions on them, and said there had been poor record-keeping. But residents at the home, which provides accommodation for up to 19 adults who may have a learning disability or mental health needs, subsequently contacted The Press to defend the home.

Home manager Clare Bower said yesterday: "We have worked diligently with the council and the CQC, and what a fabulous outcome!

"I have implemented a lot of training and a new management strategy. I've worked hard, and it's been a team effort from everybody."