Longford Nursing Home receives rave review in recent HIQA Report

A HIQA report on Thomond Lodge Nursing Home has been released. The report was released on January 10. The report details the quality of life and services within the home. The home, located in Ballymahon did extremely well receiving no less than compliant and substantially compliant results.

The inspection took place on September 17, 2024. It was unannounced and began at 9:15am and concluded at 4:30pm.

Throughout the day, every aspect of Thomond Lodge's services, resources and resident care were considered.

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In terms of resident satisfaction those living in the nursing home were “happy and content” with their living conditions.

The inspector reported that the staff were attentive to each resident’s needs and that those living there were comfortable around them. They are happy in the home, and some even report to the inspector that they wouldn't want to return to the community again as they ‘love it there’.

The day to day practices of the centre were also observed. The inspector saw that the energy between both staff and residents was upbeat and cheery.

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It was found that a great amount of effort was put in to ensure that the residents day to day lives continued as they would living at home with visits from family members made as convenient as possible, and outings with community groups highly encouraged.

The Lodge itself features many different resources that allow for recreation and socialising such as a sitting room, a dining room a library and a garden. The clients are kept company by one key figure vital to the smooth running of Thomond Lodge, Sixpence the Cat, their beloved cat.

For those residents who prefer to be alone either in their rooms or throughout the centre staff makes sure to check on them regularly, those who prefer to sit in the halls always get a hello from the staff.

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Staffing, training and staff development, the directory of residents, and the records are all ruled compliant by the inspector.

Of the 18 regulations that were inspected only six weren't fully compliant. These six were individual assessment and care plans, infection control, premises, personal possessions, and governance and management, they all received the grade of substantially compliant.

Infection control received a lesser grade due to the cleanliness of the equipment storage room.

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Grit and dust as well as pieces of waste paper on the floor were reported by the inspector. Storage boxes directly on the floor did not allow for effective cleaning procedures.

One of the residents did not have adequate room for their possessions leaving them with boxes stacked in their room, this resulted in that regulation receiving the lower grade.

Overall the report spoke highly of the work in Thomond Lodge and its staff