Care home in Louth praised by CQC for helping residents 'lead enjoyable lives'

Riverside, on Ramsgate Road, provides accommodation for people with learning disabilities and/or autism who require nursing or personal care.

It was visited during August by inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), who lavished praise on the home, awarding ratings of ‘Good’ overall and in all individual categories.

"There was a strong commitment from both staff and the provider to delivering high-quality care and support,” said the CQC report.

"Staff and leaders also understood the barriers and inequalities often faced by people with learning disabilities and autism. They worked proactively to help them overcome these challenges.

"Staff consistently demonstrated that they are creating a culture that was empowering, inclusive and person-centred.

"Effective leadership, good governance and a focus on promoting individual rights, independence and wellbeing helped residents lead enjoyable, meaningful and fulfilling lives.”

Riverside, a large, detached house set in extensive grounds, is run by the Linkage Community Trust, a charity based in Spilsby, which provides specialist care and services for people with learning disabilities and autism across Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. The home’s manager is Glenda Chambers, while its director of independence and care is Robbie Wright.

The CQC inspectors said “safe recruitment processes helped ensure suitable staff were employed”. There were enough staff “to meet residents’ needs” and they “received a comprehensive training programme”.

Medicines were “stored, administered and managed safely”, while staff also “worked closely with health and social care professionals”, ensuring that residents “received personalised and effective support”.

The report went on: “Staff knew residents well and understood their communication needs, preferences and individual ways of expressing themselves.

"Support focused on helping residents develop independence, achieve personal goals and maintain as much choice and control over their lives as possible.”

The inspectors also monitored feedback from the residents themselves and their relatives, all of whom “felt safe and spoke positively about the support they received”.

They heard that residents took part in activities they were interested in, helped with household tasks, learned skills for greater independence and, where appropriate, accessed work opportunities.

One resident said: “I love it here. It is a very nice place. I’m really busy. I do my laundry and go to work.”

One relative said: “They have a fantastic social life. This includes work experience and days out. For example, going to London to see shows and WWE wrestling and even meeting performers afterwards.”

Residents and relatives said they “felt listened to and respected” and also praised staff, who were described as “kind, respectful and supportive”.

The report added: “During the inspection, we saw warm and caring relationships between residents, relatives and staff. Interactions were friendly, relaxed and focused on the individual.

"Staff showed a genuine care and a good understanding of the people they supported, helping them maintain their dignity and enjoy a good quality of life.”