PLANS to revamp the operation of a Kendal home for adults with learning disabilities are now under consideration after an independent report rated it as 'requiring improvement.'

The report by the Care Quality Commission on Lowther Park care home highlighted a number of concerns but Sue Green, CQC nominated individual for Oaklea Trust, which operates the facility, said the matter was already being addressed.

"We are working with Cumbria County Council, who purchase the services at Lowther Park, to redesign the service model," she said.

"We will ensure all those affected are fully involved with the process and we take heart from the positives included within the inspection report.”

Lowther Park provides personal care and accommodation for up to seven adults who have a learning disability.

It is operated on behalf of the NHS by the Oaklea Trust, a not-for-profit organisation with charitable status which is based in Kendal and provides a range of care services across the region.

The facility was inspected by a CQC team in October 2018, and the body's subsequent report concluded that improvements were required in three of the five areas of inspection.

In the 'safe' area, the report stated that "there were not enough staff across the week to meet people's needs and choices," while there were also problems noted in respect of responsiveness as the report states that "people did not have full choice of how to spend their time."

In addition, with regards to how well-led the home was, the report states that "the provider did not have effective systems in place to make sure they assessed and monitored their service in response to the changing needs and wishes of people who use the service."

However, the home was rated as good in the areas of effectiveness and caring, and the report also noted the problems highlighted in the previous inspection in 2017 had all now been addressed satisfactorily.

In addition, the report noted that staff worked hard to offer residents as much choice as possible and supported their individual interests and hobbies.

And importantly, the report also noted residents said they liked living at Lowther Park and felt safe there, and that they received the support required to maintain good health.

It also found staff were well trained and competent supported the residents' independence by encouraging them to do as much as possible for themselves, and that management were supportive of staff.

Oaklea Trust added in a statement that after CQC found some residents had made it clear they no longer wanted to attend day services provide by Cumbria County Council, it had liaised with the county council to "explore a new model of support which enables the residents to access alternative activities during the day."